Stretch Magic - Why is it breaking?

[InspirationByFlorna]

I don't know why, but most times when I pull it to knot it, it breaks and the beads go everywhere. The beads are usually soft like Jasper so I don't think it's the beads that are breaking through it. Am I pulling the cord too hard maybe? I don't want the beads to come off the strand. I don't know because it happens pretty much straight away when I am half way through pulling it to close the knot.

Thanks for any ideas.

[Former_Member]

Often times beads have sharp edges in the drill hole so maybe try smoothing them out with a bead reamer? Maybe the stringing material is old?

[InspirationByFlorna]

No, the beads drill holes are not that sharp. The cord is less than 6 months old, but it could be that it was on the shelf for a long time. Thanks, I will try using a bead reamer on the beads where the knot is.

It's pretty frustrating, especially because you have a beautiful design in front of you, you go to the trouble to thread on all the beads and then it breaks.

[Former_Member]

I hear you. I used that years ago and never liked it because the knots would always slip. Some people swear by it, but I prefer other elastic cords like elonga because it frays before it breaks, and the knots hold really well.

Have you tried emailing the company you bought it from? Maybe they could help.

[themoonlightbeader]

I totally understand! It’s is infuriating when this happens. 

[InspirationByFlorna]

Thanks for your help. Have you ever tried Power Cord? I found a forum where some of the people like it: (it's safe to click on)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-203346.html

I wish that I could take one strand of each stretch cord type and test it out before I buy a whole reel. That would be a great idea and selling point for companies I think.

I was thinking of emailing the company too - I might just do that because at this point, I can not return the cord to the store before I try another type.

[Former_Member]

You're welcome.

I have tried powercord, but only used it once or twice. I think I remember it being pretty strong. Thanks for the link. No one had anything bad to say about it. I'll keep that one in mind the next time I need elastic cord.

And I'd definitely try to return your cord since it's breaking. Have you used it a lot in the past?

[themoonlightbeader]

I find that PC breaks even easier than SM. Very upsetting. 

[InspirationByFlorna]

Yes, I have used it pretty often in the past. This is my 2nd reel, the first one I got was from Rag Shop when they were closing and I never had a problem with the first one. They were both the same thickness of cord.

[Former_Member]

That's strange. I hope you get it sorted out.

[Former_Member]

I tried several different knots with elastic, but found a little glue was the only way to insure they didn't slip. :)

[InspirationByFlorna]

Yes, I always use glue as well. I changed to fabric glue on a suggestion from somebody else a while ago who said it was better because it does not eat into the elastic and it still keeps it's stretch.

I made another elastic cord bracelet last night and I found that it was better to have a long cord to pull - at least 2 inches or so. I did that and the cord did not break so I will do that from now on and see how that goes.

[rpfeikgraphics]

What size (mm) is it that keeps breaking?

[Former_Member]

Try Opeleon stretch cord.
I prefer it over the stretch magic.

[InspirationByFlorna]

It's .5 mm because I want to put it through 4mm sized beads like the ones in my avatar.

Thanks Element Beads, I will try that one.

[vintagecalif · Accepted solution]

After making a million stretch bracelets in my bead store I can tell you that :

1) ALL elastic will break.
2) Clients will show their friends the bracelet and strerch the s*** out of it
3) Glue doesn't make a difference in securing the knot. A good knot will hold just as well as a glued knot.
4) Most break along the length of the piece due to the beads' edge cutting thru the cord.
5) Elastic does loose its' elasticity over time.
6) Elastics' ONLY advantage is ease of putting on. EVERYTHING else about it is a negative.

Les ♥

[InspirationByFlorna]

Thanks Les. The other advantage of using elastic is that you don't have to use a clasp which will cost more money and ultimately, the item will have to cost more for the customer. It's also good with beads that come in a lot of different colors, like the Mookaite beads in my avatar.

[rpfeikgraphics]

One thing to consider is that .5mm is really small. If you apply the formula for area of a circle, (2 pi r), you will see that .8mm is actually 2.56 times the material of .5mm.

[InspirationByFlorna]

Thanks rpfeikgraphics.

Today I decided to just use the Stretch Magic for 6mm beads and using double stranded cord instead of the single. I made 3 today and they turned out great! So, I will keep on doing this until I run out of the Stretch Magic, then I will try another so I can continue using the 4mm beads.

[Former_Member]

I use the 1.mm stretch magic for my 4mm hole beads, its super strong, and still small enough for the smaller holed beads I use on the same strand. Ive not had an issue so far, but some of you are making me nervous. I have things I never take off that are years old. I can not imagine that the items I make will be worn every day. They're big and chunky, so they're going to take much less wear, I cant see an issue. Or havent had one so far. Are a lot of people having issues with stretch magic actually breaking? Or the knot coming undone. I recently found a 1.5mm which I purchased, but havent used yet.