Ad update, 3/12/2012: At this time, I only have maple tools available; will have other types of wood available this spring
I have hand-made wing nut tools available that minimize wear and tear on weaver's fingers, and marring of wing nuts and wood surfaces that can occur when pliers are used. The tool gives weavers the leverage needed to avoid hand-strain, or the use of pliers to remove or tighten wing nuts (i.e., for changing out reeds in the beater or take-down / setup of some loom models).The tool simply fits over the top of the wing nut and protruding bolt, and you can easily loosen or tighten the nut. They have been well received at our local Weaver's Guild. The tool includes fluting around the edges for better grip and multiple coats of finish. The tool is $12 (plus shipping) in any of the three hardwoods: (photo, right to left) cherry, black walnut, maple. Far left sycamore wood not currently available. Specify a 2nd choice of wood in case I'm out of one of the three.
The tool will handle the majority of wing nut sizes found on weaving equipment (wing nut spans of 1" and greater). If you intend to use the tool on a Kessenich rug loom, the wing nuts are much larger and the tool requires larger openings (which I can make). If you have wing nuts with spans 3/4" or less, I can make a version of the tool with sized-down openings. Also, some equipment has wing nuts in tight areas (e.g., AVL Warping Wheels and Louet Magic Dobby looms), so check for at least 1 5/8" clearance between the center of the wing nut and any nearby obstruction. The tool can be sized down somewhat so that it will turn freely in these cramped areas. Dimensions of tool: 3"L, 1" W, 3/4" to 7/8" H, and slot to fit wing-nut is 1 1/2" L. Contact: jon@hayman.us
Love these! Do you leave them on the wing nuts, or just put them on when you need to loosen / tighten the nut?
You wouldn't leave it on the wing nut - you just use the tool whenever you want to loosen or tighten the wing nut.
Jon
These are just what the doctor ordered. My thumb joints are starting to act up after 30+ years of tightening those darn wingnuts. How do I purchase one?
I'll measure what I have and get back to you. This is super useful.
cheers, April
I just purchased two of these wing nut thingies and already consider them essential weaving tools. I have an injured wrist that makes twisting wing nuts (or anything else) difficult, but this tool provides so much leverage that I can tighten and loosen wing nuts with hardly any effort at all. The wood is beautiful and super smooth. I discovered that the little hole at the end (check out the one that's lying on its side in the picture) is for adding a cord so you can hang it on the loom or wherever. Very handy. Jon-weavetools was great about answering my questions, letting me know when he received my order and shipped the tools, etc. I'm not associated with him or his company in any way--just a very happy customer who is grateful someone has designed a tool that helps me to continue to weave in spite of my disability.
