Thumbnail plugs

eagleman

Grumbler in Training
Joined
Mar 5, 2010
Posts
13
Hello:

I purchased a bag of off brand Thumbnail plugs that are reddish in color instead of the OEM brown, from a regular supply house. My supplier went out of business so I have no idea where these came from. They are slightly off the OEM size but can be adjusted for and are much less money. Does anyone know of a generic plug and where to get them??
Any help is appreciated.
Also does anyone have plugs they want to get rid of cheaply?
Eagleman
paulsframes@roadrunner.com
 
Save yourself a whole lot of headaches and buy the name brand that matches your equipment. The few dollars per hundred corners you save now will have you repairing failed corners for many years to come. A dollar in savings could cost you thousands in frame replacements, art replacements and hundreds of hours of free labor repairing every frame you join with the cheap ones.
 
Not quite sure where you came up with that one. I've made over 40 frames with the generic and haven't had one fail yet. This really isn't that kind of product to worry about but thanks for the thought.
Eagleman
 
This isn't something you would see fail right away. Among other reasons, the quality of the 'plastic' isn't the same in all of them. In time, that can make a difference. The size variation can make a difference. The size of the frame you're joining can make a difference. But each brand (or bit) have thumbnail inserts that are optimized by the manufacturer. Because it will fit in the hole, doesn't mean its just as good. Cheap inserts can snap. The integrity of the framing package rests on the corners.

How long have those 40 frames been in use?

And it really is the kind of product to worry about. Everything that affects your quality reflects on your business. Why would anyone want that kind of worry for pennies an insert?

That being said, its your choice. There are a few brands of thumbnailers as well as bits. Perhaps if you post what you have, it would give us a clue what you're looking for. Maybe you can even get better pricing on an OEM product.
 
WOW! Almost sorry I posted this at all. The brand is "Thumbnail". It's emobssed on the the body. Nielsen Bainbridge sells them. I've tested the plugs, they cut like the OEM with a clipper, look like the OEM and take a pounding with a hammer. If you didn't know what make I had how can you make a judgement on the quality of even the plugs that are made for my machine. Please only reply if you have info on the plugs I'm looking for.
Thank you, Eagleman
 
I know which ones ur talking about Eagleman.........
I bought them once from LJ......its their brand.....
and they are reddish in color!! :shrug:
pg 10 of the catalog!
 
If you didn't know what make I had how can you make a judgement on the quality of even the plugs that are made for my machine.

I purchased a bag of off brand Thumbnail plugs that are reddish in color instead of the OEM brown

:)

If its not OEM, that's your answer.

I only needed the model to help you find what you need, not to tell you that it could cause you problems.

Here are some OEM's: http://www.unitedmfrs.com/cart/detail.cfm?item=4105

or

http://www.unitedmfrs.com/Frame_Joining_Machines_Tools.cfm

Hope you find what you're looking for.
 
They sound like the C&H brand ones you should be able to find them under C&H thumbnail imserts just about anywhere.
 
WOW! Almost sorry I posted this at all.

Please only reply if you have info on the plugs I'm looking for.
Thank you, Eagleman

Eagleman is going to get torqued at you for suggesting he buy the ones actually made for the equipment owned. He is looking for the cheapest aftermarket inserts made since after 40 frames none have snapped open yet. We wouldn't want to upset someone who has come to the professional business forum looking for a cheaper way to frame on his own after bypassing professional framers. I don't understand why business owners won't just cooperate with those looking to back door their businesses.
 
Dear God;
I've been professionally building custom frames for 34 years. If I thought the plugs were dangerous or a problem I wouldn't use them. Just wanted some simple info not a pompous opinion. I don't know who made you king of framing but I've done very well over the years and don't need you to tell me how to run my business.
Great forum guys, thanks
 
Thank you, if LJ is the company name i'll look them up on the web.
Eagleman

The web is an excellent resource.

Just tonight I found a small business/home based supplier of posters and flashcards that's been in business since 1979. Imagine how easy it would be to find all the professional framers in your area that have been in business that long! I love the web.

I went into McDonald's once.... I guess that makes me a hamburger.

:p
 
thumnails

wow. that guy took a beating over that. anyhow why the heck are those things so expensive. i am also looking for a better buy. my lj sales rep hooks me up when i buy them buy quantity.
 
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