8mm Forum: how to straighten up 1200' metal reels

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Topic: how to straighten up 1200' metal reels

Jean-Philippe Rolland
Junior
Posts: 20
From: Paris France
Registered: Dec 2004

posted June 18, 2008 06:11 AM

Some time ago, I boughts 1200' metal reels from a German ebay seller. Some sections of them are too narrow, occasioning film rubs.
I have never found a way to straighten them up without buckling the whole reels.
Long live the plastic spools though I would welcome any tricks that would revive these metal reels.

Many thanks

Jean-Philippe

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Jean-Philippe

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Graham Sinden
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1131
From: Kent, UK
Registered: Aug 2005

posted June 18, 2008 07:20 AM

I have had the same trouble myself and never managed it sucessfully. I tried squeasing together the wide bits but to no avail. So I mostly give up now. [Frown]

If you can just inspect all around the reel to make sure its a good one before parting with cash, but then again I'm lucky that I can attend cine fairs like Ealing.

Graham S

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Maurice Leakey
Film God

Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007

posted June 18, 2008 11:19 AM

You will have to have great patience.

I push a round handled screwdriver half-way down and gently squeeze (or pull) either side of it. A pair of flat-nose pliers are also very useful but make sure they are flat-nose otherwise pliers with toothed jaws will mark the metal.

Do not just bend because the other side will bend the opposite way!

Metal spools are easier than plastic. If these have been squeezed up due to storage without film and not in cans the only way is to put old newspapers all around the perimeter and pack them out. Put in a cupboard and forget them for 12-months, if you have the time.

With plastic spools you could try the old LP trick for a warped record. Put it on a flat metal tray in a warm oven for a few minutes, and then gently bend. I must admit though I have never tried this with film spools.

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Maurice

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Tom Photiou
Film God

Posts: 4837
From: Plymouth U.K
Registered: Dec 2003

posted June 18, 2008 11:48 AM

Ive only ever used the Elmo 1200 foot spools because of similar problems with the plastic versions. As far as metal spools go only the Elmo version ever seems to be any good.

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