PatternReview.com online sewing community
Join our community of 579,271 sewists!
SIGNUP Membership is free and includes 1 free lesson
Login |
Join our community of 579,271 sewists!
Signup | Login
To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview
123 
Member since 11/7/07
Posts: 8
Send Message
Posted on: 12/9/07 5:53 AM ET
I'm not sure what to do with used needles. I'm a little concerned about throwing small sharp objects like these. Is there a good way to recycle them like paper/plastic?
  
Member since 3/19/06
Posts: 3847
Send Message
Posted on: 12/9/07 6:51 AM ET
In reply to Glyster
There is such a small amount of metal in them and they are plated on top of that, so I doubt that they are candidates for recycling. But you could contact a scrap metal recycler in your area and inquire.

Safe disposal is important though. You can put then in those metal or plastic containers that mints come in (like altoids), or use M&M mini's tubes, old prescription bottles, or empty pencil lead (as in mechanical pencils) containers to safely hold the needles so that they don't pierce anyone or anything once they've been placed in the trash.

-- Edited on 12/9/07 6:53 AM --
------
http://blog.sew-classic.com/
www.Sew-Classic.com
  
Member since 7/12/06
Posts: 2110
Send Message
Posted on: 12/9/07 8:19 AM ET
In reply to Glyster
I have a jelly jar, and I put my needles and pins that are bent or don't seem sharp any more in the jelly jar.
  
Member since 4/1/07
Posts: 959
Send Message
Posted on: 12/9/07 8:49 AM ET
In reply to Glyster
A friend from Russia was complaining the other day that Americans do not sharpen and re-use the needles. He claims that this is what is done in southern Russia and that we are wasteful Americans. Well, I don't feel like taking the chance that the machine will go bad from my poor sharpening job, so I'm offering him all of the needles which are tired but not actually broken. He can take them to Russia the next time he goes (not kidding).
------
Fabric Purchased in 2011: 37 yards
Fabric Sewn in 2011: 0 yards
Current Contest Moderator: Lined Jacket
Current Contest Participant: Mini Wardrobe
  
Member since 3/19/06
Posts: 3847
Send Message
Posted on: 12/9/07 9:17 AM ET
In reply to Therisa
The points of wear on a needle is not confined to the point.

The thread creates a great deal of friction as it passes through the eye and so this is a major point of wear that can result in poor stitch quality and skipped stitches. Sharpening the point will not fix this at all.

I'm not sure how one would sharpen a ball point needle??

Bottom line, sharpening and re-using tired needles is not a good approach for the reasons listed above.


------
http://blog.sew-classic.com/
www.Sew-Classic.com
  
Member since 6/8/05
Posts: 367
Send Message
Posted on: 12/9/07 9:20 AM ET
In reply to SewClassic
Thanks, got2bjennyg. That's interesting to know.
So, how do you know when a needle is worn out?
  
Member since 9/29/02
Posts: 3237
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 12/9/07 9:22 AM ET
I have an empty spice bottle with a sprinkle lid that I drop my used needles and pins in. Every 5 years or so, I empty it. I like it because I keep it right on my sewing table and it's very convenient as well as safe.
------
Patti

R-r-r-ripping my way to fitting success
  
Member since 3/19/06
Posts: 3847
Send Message
Posted on: 12/9/07 9:36 AM ET
In reply to Tez
Poor stitch quality, skipped stitches or sometimes shredding the thread can be signs. Generally, it is recommended that you change your needle with every second or third project or so. Perhaps even more often.

If you buy your needles in bulk or stock up when they are on sale, this really isn't expensive. If you buy a package of 5 needles on sale (50% off) for $2, that's 40c per needle.

------
http://blog.sew-classic.com/
www.Sew-Classic.com
  
Member since 3/19/05
Posts: 4069
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 12/9/07 9:59 AM ET
I do the same as Patti B - once ayear there is hazardous waste pick up in our area and they go then.

Am also extra careful with the rotary cutter blades making sure they are sealed in the container the new one came in and then I tape if shut for added precaution.
  
Member since 4/1/07
Posts: 959
Send Message
Posted on: 12/9/07 10:07 AM ET
In reply to SewClassic
I'm totally with you! But he wants them, he can have them...
------
Fabric Purchased in 2011: 37 yards
Fabric Sewn in 2011: 0 yards
Current Contest Moderator: Lined Jacket
Current Contest Participant: Mini Wardrobe
  
123 
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Nature's Fabrics
Natural & Organic Fabrics
Specials!
Metro Textiles
NYC Fabric Store
Specials!
Discovery Fabrics
High Performance Fabrics
Specials!