Makeshift draw tool

[Tenor CS]

There was some recent discussion re: draw tools. I never bought the Henry's draw tools, and I've been looking for a suitable alternative. I did not want to buy the Draw Poker from Thompson.

I have an old cigar box where I keep my lighters, cutters, etc, and I always keep a few paper clips in there for draw correction purposes. However, I wanted something a little nicer. I went to Lowe's and got a 4 piece hook and pick set, (pic attached) and the straight one was ok, but a little thick for my tastes.

Then, I was in Wal-Mart buying some arts and craft supplies for my students, and I saw a tool in the jewelry making section. It's called a bead reamer. Sorry, couldn't find a decent pic of one that looked like mine.

It's thinner than the straight pick and was inexpensive, less than $4.

Just wanted to post this as a heads-up for anyone looking for a draw correction tool that is nicer than a paper clip or toothpick.

I've also had good success with the tiny screwdrivers they sell at drugstores as part of "eyeglass repair kits."

[Rockestone]

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to take a look and see what I can find.:tu

[Fishbeadtwo]

I use some of the wife's stainless welding rod and it works ok. Some guys say they get a long 1/16th or 3/32nd drill bits and mount them into a piece of wood dowel. The benefit to the drill bit is it actually removes some material instead of just moving it aside. Good luck on the search for the perfect device!

[rizzle]

Never needed a draw tool until the other day. Went to the closet and pulled out a clothes hanger...Voila!! It oozed class.:ss

[romwarrior]

Never needed a draw tool until the other day. Went to the closet and pulled out a clothes hanger...Voila!! It oozed class.:ss

That is my fancy, schmancy tool of choice as well. Couple of snips and you are good to go...

[Hardcz]

Never needed a draw tool until the other day. Went to the closet and pulled out a clothes hanger...Voila!! It oozed class.:ss

I went to do that a few weeks back, then I found out that all the hangers in my house are those thick plastic ones..... don't work too well on a cigar mind you.

[rizzle]

I went to do that a few weeks back, then I found out that all the hangers in my house are those thick plastic ones..... don't work too well on a cigar mind you.

Laundered shirts are your friend.
;)

[tedrodgerscpa]

I got a similar tool set for Christmas... While I like it pretty well for a draw tool purpose, the gauge of the poker is pretty large compared to most draw tools.

I found a worm threader from Bass Pro Shops has the right gauge and is close to the Henry's Draw tools.

Just another suggestion...

[Tenor CS]

I found a worm threader from Bass Pro Shops has the right gauge and is close to the Henry's Draw tools.

Thanks for that idea, Ted. I'm gonna see if I can find a Bass Pro Shops in my area.

[markem]

I have a set of Henry's. But for those who don't want to spend the dosh, bamboo skewers work great.

[Benwoo]

Bamboo Skewers sound huge, least the ones I've run across :D I had a draw problem when visiting the folks and moms just happened to have some stainless meat skewers that work pretty well... I will prolly cut and edge to it so it bores when twisted instead of trying to blow the gar apart.

[MedicCook]

If you have nothing else take the twist tie from your bread and cut off the plastic coating that is around the metal.

[nozero]

I've found that for me, not matter what I use, the most important thing to remember is to not get to close to the cherry. I usually put the "tool" along side the cigar and back off an inch from the burn line and hold that point with my fingers before inserting so I can't go past it. If I get to close, it ruins the taste very quickly and I end up letting the cigar die.

[Tenor CS]

I've found that for me, not matter what I use, the most important thing to remember is to not get to close to the cherry. I usually put the "tool" along side the cigar and back off an inch from the burn line and hold that point with my fingers before inserting so I can't go past it. If I get to close, it ruins the taste very quickly and I end up letting the cigar die.

Great advice and a cool technique tip, thanks!:tu