Thread burners are especially useful for getting the last little bit of thread that may stick out of beads after the end is trimmed with embroidery scissors. They are also useful for burning the thread end next to knots to prevent the knot from loosening or untying.
How to Use a Thread Burner
Thread burners vary slightly from one manufacturer and model to the next. On most models, you push a button to close a battery powered circuit that heats up the tip of the thread burner. The time for the element on the tip to heat up can vary from a few seconds to almost instantly. On some models, the tip may glow bright red, others may be hot without showing any indication. Once the heating element at the tip is hot, you can touch the hot tip to the thread where you want to cut or melt it. Release the button to turn it off. Some models of thread burners have a retractable heating element. In order to use the thread burner, you slide a button forward. This brings the heating element out of the protective case and causes it to heat up all at once. When you are done, letting go of the button will turn off the heating element and slide it back into the case - helping to prevent accidentally burning yourself or surfaces. The Thread Zap Ultra by Beadsmith is an example of a retractable thread burner. For thread burners where the heating element tip does not retract into the case, such as the Thread Zap thread burner by Beadsmith, it is very important to replace the protective cap over the heated tip to prolong its use and to avoid burning yourself or the surface on which you place the thread burner before the heating element cools. Depending on the types of thread you use your thread burner with and how you care for it, the heating element may eventually need to be replaced. Most models sell replacement tips. Some models of thread burners even come with an extra heating element tip. Thread burners can be purchased at retail craft stores, local bead shops, and online beading suppliers. The cost of a thread burner can vary, starting at about $10 and up. Since most models are very similar in design, check for reviews of the tool you are considering buying to understand how quickly the tool heats up, how long the batteries last and how long the heating elements last before making a purchase.
Why Use a Thread Burner for Beadwork?
Depending on the amount and type of beadwork you do, a thread burner may be a necessity or a luxury. Thread burners are much easier to use to trim thread ends than a lighter because you can control exactly where the heat is applied to your thread. You are far less likely to accidentally burn through the wrong thread with the precise heating element. When used after a knot, the thread burner forms a small ball on the melted end of the thread that helps prevent the knot from untying. Thread burners make it easy to cut gel-spun or fishing line type of threads such as Fireline and Wildfire that can be difficult to cut cleanly with scissors. Thread burners are also used in fishing to cut fishing line. There is virtually no difference between the thread burners used in fishing and those used in beadwork. When looking for a thread burner, you may want to compare ones in bead shops with the ones in sporting goods and fishing stores. Consider using a Berkley Hot Line Cutter made for fishing since they are typically less expensive than similar thread burners made for beading. Edited by Lisa Yang
