Attaching wicks and reusing containers

[candlemama]

I am wondering the best way to attach a wick to a container so that it is secure but not permanent. I would like to reuse my containers as I test FOs/wicks/waxes, etc. I've just been using my hot glue gun, which seemed to work perfectly -- until I tried to remove an old wick from a container. I can't get the darn thing off.

[psfponies]

I use a heat gun to melt the glue and it comes right out.

It also removes wick stickums.

Kay

[TxSioux]

Do you mean you tried to remove a wick from another container - not yours? I use a glue gun & have never had an issue getting a tab out. I know some who use a God awful silicone caulk that is almost impossible to remove. I have an old ceramic tool (used for cleaning greenware) that makes it very easy to pop a tab up. This isn't exactly like mine, but close - the bottom piece is more curved than the image shows. http://www.misterart.com/g8197/Royal--Langnickel-Large-Cleaning-Tool.htm

Susan.

[Stella1952]

I use single-edge razor blades - they get everything off so long as you can get them down into the bottom of the container. If the container is too narrow, I, too, use ceramic tools and an old canine dental tartar scraper.

[Candybee]

Another glue gun user here. I use an old butterknife to pop off the wick tab when I want to reuse a jar. It takes a little elbow grease but it can be done. Its the price I pay for having wicks that don't come loose when I pour hot wax in my jars.

[ZacharyDavid]

I don't know how easy they are to remove, but The Candlemakers Store has these wickstickers that make attaching wicks to containers easy. They're $2.29 for a pack of 100, so it's probably worth a shot.

[candlemama]

Thanks for the replies. Very helpful!

[scifichik]

My favorite way to remove a tab from a tester is to get out the electric skillet, put about two inches of water in, bring it to a simmer and sit the containers in it. After about ten minutes, hot glue and other adhesives become pliable enough to easily remove the wick tab with a pair of needle nose pliers.

I'm sure there are easier/better ways, but this works for me.

[hollyberry]

I use hot glue as well, and just either pop it out with a butter knife or blast the bottom with the ehat gun for a few seconds.

[BeckyW]

I too use hot glue. When I have wanted to remove the wick stands to reuse like you want to if I can't get them to pop off-I put them in a bit of water in a double boiler and that usually does the trick. You just want it hotter than your poured wax would be-and I agree-atleast I know it has to be super hot to get it to move.