Plain or waxed dental floss for emergency kits?

C

cardimon

Joined
Sep 20, 2000
Messages
1,539
Dental floss is highly recommended for emergency kits, but should I get plain or waxed? I've read that knots won't hold if the floss is waxed. Suggestions, anyone?
 
Hi cardimon,

While in the US last year I picked up at WalMart some creditcard sized only 1/8" thick plastic dental floss "containers" they hold 50 yards of waxed dental floss cord and are very easy to stow away in any kit.
I paid about one Dollar if I'm correct.

I've had no problems making a knot in the waxed floss cord.

Best Scouting wishes from Holland,

Bagheera

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I have always used the waxed floss. It should be a good deal stronger than the unwaxed.


Mike
 
depends
If it comes down to strength, I usually have something much stronger than dental floss. I always pack unwaxed unflavoured. I have used it on several occasions to suture myself.

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The meek shall inherit the earth because they stay up late and change the will.
 
The flat cord or tape that's used for lacing up wire harnesses in electronics is waxed. At least the preferred variety is - because it's EASIER to tie.

Steve
 
Hi Cardimon,
I personally like the waxed variety.
If you want to tie it, try something called a waterknot. Used by climbers and cavers for webbing. I also use it for artificial sinew in doing reinactments. The floss will break before the knot does. You can probably find a better description in a knot book somewhere, but it's basically a single half hitch in one end with the other end following backwards through the first half hitch. It can be done with a figure 8 also. It holds totally secure for flat type string and webbing.
I've been using sewing bobbins for most of my string type "things", ie. fishing line, wire, floss. Get the metal ones...a little heavier but won't break. 4 for $1.35 such a deal!
 
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