
I just thought that this may help people who are trying to open the rear deck hatches on Tank Hulls or on cutting out hinges to make them open.
I am not sure if this is an original idea but I have used it since I was a child,when I tried to snap of a length of cotton by just wrapping it around my hand and giving it a hard pull......and cut my hand


I have found that the best method is to tie one end of the thread to a heavy object and then hold the thread reel in the other hand leaving one hand free to hold the object to be cut. Now with the weight tied on; position the thread EXACTLY where you want to start the cut and then simply pull the thread towards you which will lift the heavy object up and once fully raised allow gravity to pull it back down again. I always keep my index finger on the thread,it helps me to control the thread.
NOW unlike a hack-saw or a Stanley knife there is no' length' behind the cutting edge to help it stay straight and to stabilise it,so you MUST be slow and steady as you 'Saw ' through the plastic or you will wobble all over the place and leave a cut line like a drunken spider and so ruin the panel that you were trying to cut out.
If you look at the two pictures of the Tiger rear deck you can Just see the cut if you look carefully and then the second picture shows the gap being held apart for the camera. With the Tiger turret hatch you can see how small the cut actually is compared to a pin next to it.The hatch looks worse as I had to file the hatch so that it would actually fully OPEN after I drilled and fitted the hinge pin.
The Button Hole Thread WILL SNAP after a certain time depending on how long a length you use and how fast you pull. Long slow strokes are best but be prepared so that the weight falls onto a cushion or some padding and NOT onto a wooden floor board or your foot ! WHEN it breaks ( because it will, trust me) simply tie a new length from the reel onto the heavy object and carry on from where you left off !
You will be amazed at what can actually be cut out if you go slow, watch where the thread is, and take your time. It MUST be Button Hole Thread, as it is so strong! Cotton will not work.[im





