Backer rod, learn from my mistake

[lethalshot]

Just a quick reminder for anyone who is ordering backer rod for dreads. Their a several sources to order this stuff from on the internet if you can't find it at your local hardware store. BEFORE ordering it, see if the person selling it, is willing to do a quick-check to make sure its not crushed. This stuff is used for insulating windows and logs on cabins. I've ordered it twice and when receiving it, 1/2 -3/4 of the rolls have been un-usable for dreads do to the disforming. Two sides are crushed pretty bad. So ask them to take a peek before shipping it, tell them it won't be used for insulation but a special project your working on, and it needs to be perfectly round.

 

[Macguyver]

Yeah, unfortunately that will happen. Seems more likely to occur when ordering the larger diameter backer rod/filler rope.

I went through a similar situation earlier this year when I ordered 3/4" & 1" dia. from DoItBest.com. The 3/4" roll that arrived was not a round perfect circle-like dia. but instead, was quite oddly warped in shape throughout it entire length. The 1" dia. roll had a few spots were it looked like some ******* stock boy had stabbed it w/ a knife. So, I kept the 1" & cut the dread lengths around the puncture holes & just sent back the 3/4" roll since it was over 50% unusable. Placed another order about 3-4 wks later & got a much better looking roll. For what I wound up paying in shipping fees, I could've just drove for like 45 in any direction & bought it at a Do It Best Store were I could've inspected the quality of several rolls & picked out the best.

Oh well, at least its cheap if you need to order more!

 

[Kspred]

If you've got a heat gun, set it on it's low setting and lightly heat up the backer rod (carefull not to melt it) and that can help it straighten out if it's seriously warped, but if it's flattened not much you can do but send it back.