Renewing Spindle Hooks

As both a spinner and a woodturner, I know how important it is for our spindles to be in alignment. Even a slightly bent hook can lead to an irritating spindle wobble.

Hooked spindles may need some special maintenance when damage occurs. In some cases, a complete hook replacement may be necessary. Some spindle makers offer repair services for the spindles they create, and you can reach out to them for advice in the case of spindle mishap. However, contacting the maker is often not an option for many of our beloved spindles. Over the years, I’ve made, used, and mended many spindles, and I’d like to show you some methods for repairing your spindle hooks.

Tools and Mending Materials

Some of the basic tools used in spindle repair and maintenance include:

• Pliers (round-nose and flat-nose), often found in the jewelry section of a craft store or at a hardware store
  
• Heavy-duty wire cutters (some pliers have a built-in cutting feature)
  
• Wire or premade hooks
  
• Adhesive, necessary when reinserting a spindle hook. Select a glue such as carpenter’s glue, which is well-suited for use on wood or metal. A white craft glue will have a very short life span.
  
• Hair dryer (optional) for adding heat to make some metals more malleable
  
• Drill and small drill bit (optional)
  

Having the right tools and materials ready will help you repair your spindle hooks more easily.