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Bivvy repairs (22 posts / 2,317 views)
Tinhead Tinhead
Posts: 17,089
Post #17 10 Jan 2026 12:11
0
In reply to Post #16
I see there are 2 types of tool A and B
What one do you think is best?
Zack
Posts: 3,206
Post #18 10 Jan 2026 12:38
0
In reply to Post #17
I have "A", but according to Ebay "B" is the most popular. I don't think there was an option when I bought mine

"A" keeps the spool of thread in the handle and also the needles can be stored inside the chuck which you use to tighten the needle whereas "B" uses a wrench,

I think they both have their merits. I think "B" looks the easier to use to keep tension on the thread as you can keep a finger on the spool whereas with "A", you wrap it round that "steel Pin" on the handle

They are simple to use, and if it does not work, its usually because the thread has been "Thread" incorrectly through the chuck and needle.

I think I would go for the "B" as it looks a bit simpler to use

Spare needles etc, you can buy off Ebay, so far, I have only broke one
Scot-chegg
Posts: 210
Post #19 13 Jan 2026 13:25
0
In reply to Post #15
Yeah your right..too tricky for my limited skills with a needle and thread..I guess I'll probably just have to accept it's had its day
Baitman Baitman
Posts: 5,237
Post #20 13 Jan 2026 14:47
0
In reply to Post #19
May as well have a go, nothing to lose, it may not look perfect but as long as its functional then thats all that matters.
Scot-chegg
Posts: 210
Post #21 13 Jan 2026 23:08
0
In reply to Post #20
Yeah your probably right and it's probably a good idea to give it a go..now or never . like you said nothing to lose..truth is ill probably never need it but if I did ever pull it out the scar will probably look retro cool.
In any case it's only likely to get used if the Mrs is out with me and the overwrap utilised to get 2 beds in which again would cover up the repair.
Any particular thread you would recommend? I've only ever sewn buttons and patches
Baitman Baitman
Posts: 5,237
Post #22 13 Jan 2026 23:58
0
In reply to Post #21
Any strong polyester thread, something like this;

LINKY POO™ https://ebay.us/m/EvqmRk

I have also used this thread for rod whipping

Zack
Posts: 3,206
Post #23 14 Jan 2026 10:09
0
In reply to Post #21
As Baitman has mentioned, give it a go, you have nothing to lose and I have never gave two hoots how my repairs or things that I have made look and no one has ever commented on it. The main thing I look for is strength and if it looks weak, I give it a few more stitches etc

For thread, if I don't use pre waxed strong thread I have bought from Ebay, I will happily use braid that you use for fishing and end of the day, most of us have yards of the stuff whether its discarded mainline or for rigs that we no longer use. The main thing is, whatever you use, it needs to be "rot ressistant so man made fibres are best, otherwise if its left damp it will eventually rot.

For needles, if you go into the likes of Boyes, you can buy a set of needles for all sorts of heavy duty jobs including curved ones and they are only cheap. A thimble can come in usefull as sometimes you do have to use some force to push the needle through.

If you can sew a button or a patch on, that is all you need to know, its the same principle.

Many years ago I learnt how to use my Mothers old sewing machine to do repair jobs and make small bags etc and just recently bought my self a new small one.

My biggest task I ever did on the bank was sew in a new mosquito net by hand, cut the old one away and spent an afternoon stitching away and i needed to get it done by dark as where I fish was mosquito infested. But, it was slow going and wish I had done it at home on the machine.
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