CAP Talk

General Discussion => Uniforms & Awards => Topic started by: MajorPayne on July 01, 2011, 01:13:50 AM

Title: BDU loose strings
Post by: MajorPayne on July 01, 2011, 01:13:50 AM
 I don't know if i this happens to most cadets BDUs but I was wondering if anyone else has a problem with threads that are loose. I recently joined CAP and ordered the BDU uniform off of vanguard and after taking a closer look, realized that there were a lot of loose threads sticking out from pocket corners and button holes. Is this normal? If so what is the most effective way to fix it?
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: jimmydeanno on July 01, 2011, 01:25:37 AM
The loose threads are the result of where the sewing machine stopped sewing.  It's not a defect, but a normal manufacturing process result.

Just wash the BDUs and most should show themselves.  Then just trim them off.
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: Thrashed on July 01, 2011, 01:32:09 AM
I burn them with a match.
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: MajorPayne on July 01, 2011, 02:10:49 AM
 Do all of the BDUs come that way?
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: GTCommando on July 01, 2011, 02:15:57 AM
The threads are not a defect. They're normal for new clothing items. The best way to deal with them is to wash the BDUs, and then trim them off with nail clippers. That lets you trim them off as close as possible. Using matches would risk damaging the clothing. Not good on a brand-new uniform. No offense Thrash, I've just had bad experiences when mixing fire and uniforms.  :-[ :D
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: Eclipse on July 01, 2011, 02:27:13 AM
Quote from: Thrash on July 01, 2011, 01:32:09 AM
I burn them with a match.

I generally discourage that practice, especially for cadets.

(http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20061103101248/uncyclopedia/images/7/71/Man-on-fire.jpg)
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: MajorPayne on July 01, 2011, 03:02:15 AM
thank you for the help. I just wanted to make sure that I had everything the right way. It sounds like everyone bdus get them
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: HGjunkie on July 01, 2011, 03:02:38 AM
Yeah, matches are pretty unsafe and smell like poo. I use one of these bad boys insead:

(http://images.wikia.com/zippo/images/0/0e/Zippo.jpg)

8)

Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: Eclipse on July 01, 2011, 03:34:07 AM
Hey, if you're gonna go, at least you'll go in style!
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: DC on July 01, 2011, 03:58:54 AM
I have a small pair of surgical scissors that I keep with my uniform stuff. As a normal part of my uniform prep I skim over the seams for loose threads and trim them off.

I do not advise using fire to do it, especially when scissors or nail clippers work just as well. I once saw a guy try to trim a thread with a lighter while wearing too much cologne. Thankfully there was a fire extinguisher in the room and he wasn't seriously hurt.
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: Phil Hirons, Jr. on July 01, 2011, 03:59:46 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on July 01, 2011, 02:27:13 AM
Quote from: Thrash on July 01, 2011, 01:32:09 AM
I burn them with a match.

I generally discourage that practice, especially for cadets.

(http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20061103101248/uncyclopedia/images/7/71/Man-on-fire.jpg)

Just try explaining that to the Safety Officer
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: AngelWings on July 01, 2011, 04:51:11 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on July 01, 2011, 03:34:07 AM
Hey, if you're gonna go, at least you'll go in style!
That and your picture just made my wee hours of the morning alot less boring   :laugh:
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: AngelWings on July 01, 2011, 04:52:42 AM
 I'd burn the threads off on 50/50 tops, not on 100% cotton tops. 50/50 tops will melt just a smidge and the threads won't reappear.
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: nesagsar on July 01, 2011, 08:58:37 AM
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30160181&l=618497d55d&id=97400735
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: DC on July 01, 2011, 04:30:44 PM
Quote from: nesagsar on July 01, 2011, 08:58:37 AM
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30160181&l=618497d55d&id=97400735 (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30160181&l=618497d55d&id=97400735)



FTFY

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/photos-ak-ash1/v184/185/108/97400735/n97400735_30160181_2174.jpg)
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: AngelWings on July 01, 2011, 06:06:47 PM
 Well, I'm gunning to get one of these to burn off some threads.
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: HGjunkie on July 01, 2011, 09:39:31 PM
Quote from: Littleguy on July 01, 2011, 06:06:47 PM
Well, I'm gunning to get one of these to burn off some threads.

It needs more BOOM.  ;D
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: Phil Hirons, Jr. on July 01, 2011, 10:07:30 PM
Quote from: Littleguy on July 01, 2011, 06:06:47 PM
Well, I'm gunning to get one of these to burn off some threads.

Guaranteed!! No loose threads.
Also no uniform, no CAP member, no school, no tree outside.
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: The CyBorg is destroyed on July 01, 2011, 10:11:27 PM
The threads are not abnormal.  Back in the day I remember them being called "cables" and "Irish pennants" (I assume because they were green).

Unless you've got a lightsabre  :P, I don't recommend using anything except sewing or surgical scissors, and certainly not fire.

Give your BDU's a visual once-over each time you wash them.  Keeping those little threads off is an ongoing process.
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: JC004 on July 01, 2011, 10:13:19 PM
Quote from: CyBorg on July 01, 2011, 10:11:27 PM
The threads are not abnormal.  Back in the day I remember them being called "cables" and "Irish pennants" (I assume because they were green).

Unless you've got a lightsabre  :P, I don't recommend using anything except sewing or surgical scissors, and certainly not fire.

Give your BDU's a visual once-over each time you wash them.  Keeping those little threads off is an ongoing process.

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Irish_pennant
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: The CyBorg is destroyed on July 01, 2011, 10:19:14 PM
^^Thanks for the definition.  I was hoping it wasn't something ethnically derogatory, especially since I am half Ulster-Scots.
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: AngelWings on July 01, 2011, 11:36:05 PM

Quote from: HGjunkie on July 01, 2011, 09:39:31 PM
Quote from: Littleguy on July 01, 2011, 06:06:47 PM
Well, I'm gunning to get one of these to burn off some threads.

It needs more BOOM.  ;D
Well, yeah. Just have to get close to it without getting tossed across the field.  >:D
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: HGjunkie on July 01, 2011, 11:58:29 PM
Quote from: Littleguy on July 01, 2011, 11:36:05 PM

Quote from: HGjunkie on July 01, 2011, 09:39:31 PM
Quote from: Littleguy on July 01, 2011, 06:06:47 PM
Well, I'm gunning to get one of these to burn off some threads.

It needs more BOOM.  ;D
Well, yeah. Just have to get close to it without getting tossed across the field.  >:D

This guy's got it covered:

(http://geekologie.com/2007/01/15/halo-suit.jpg)
Title: Re: BDU loose strings
Post by: AngelWings on July 02, 2011, 12:01:58 AM
Quote from: HGjunkie on July 01, 2011, 11:58:29 PM
Quote from: Littleguy on July 01, 2011, 11:36:05 PM

Quote from: HGjunkie on July 01, 2011, 09:39:31 PM
Quote from: Littleguy on July 01, 2011, 06:06:47 PM
Well, I'm gunning to get one of these to burn off some threads.

It needs more BOOM.  ;D
Well, yeah. Just have to get close to it without getting tossed across the field.  >:D

This guy's got it covered:

(http://geekologie.com/2007/01/15/halo-suit.jpg)
I think we can say that with some confidence.