Avoiding break off when claptoning with fine cores and long runs

[Dustyjeans]

I just thought I'd share this simple trick to avoid break offs at the chuck. First off I can not free hand clapton to save my life! So had to find a solution that would stop the problem at the chuck. Especially when doing long runs and fine cores like 30g. I snip a toothpick (about 3/4") wrap the core wire around and then put a dab of hot glue on it.

Youll see that i add glue well in front of the toothpick. I find this cushions the wire and keeps is from bending and fatiguing too much in one spot. Then insert into chuck while glue is still a little soft (not runny) and center everything up.

Before the glue fully hardens i tighten the chuck. This has almost completely eliminated my break offs! Not sure if anyone else does it this way but it has saved me alot of time and headaches.

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[whiteowl84]

Don't stretch or twist the core. Fold the first 1/2" in half and bite the tip of the loop in the chuck. Grab the rest with toothless pliers and use the drill to twist it a few times while pulling. Now fold the last 1/2" the same way and hook the swivel. Grab with pliers and spin the swivel with your hand. Pull the drill and hold the swivel so it won't spin and spin the drill to straighten the core. If it's 28g or higher I just pull it till it stretches.
I like things to spin true and this is the best way I've come up with.

 

[Dustyjeans]

Don't stretch or twist the core. Fold the first 1/2" in half and bite the tip of the loop in the chuck. Grab the rest with toothless pliers and use the drill to twist it a few times while pulling. Now fold the last 1/2" the same way and hook the swivel. Grab with pliers and spin the swivel with your hand. Pull the drill and hold the swivel so it won't spin and spin the drill to straighten the core. If it's 28g or higher I just pull it till it stretches.
I like things to spin true and this is the best way I've come up with.

Thank you! All good stuff. I definitely wont be spinning the drill to straighten anymore.

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[whiteowl84]

Well the reason you don't do that is because if you want to make the twists straight with the core it'll have too much twist and it may break when you spin it again.
When I make aliens or really anything but claptoning a single wire I still spin it.

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[Dustyjeans]

Well the reason you don't do that is because if you want to make the twists straight with the core it'll have too much twist and it may break when you spin it again.
When I make aliens or really anything but claptoning a single wire I still spin it.

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Gottcha. Also, in the past when working with 30gN80 core i have tried the twist at the chuck like you described but it always broke...but i was also spinning it to straighten. Damn! Ill get these little details down pat sooner or later. I really appreciate the help i've gotten here!

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[whiteowl84]

No problem. If you need help with anything I'm 84whiteowl84 on IG. I'm not on the forums as much anymore.

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