The Reversible Crochet Hook Holder: Collet Jaws Grip the Hook Either Way Round

"The shank of the hook is then introduced into opening 3 of the tapered end and the jaws 10 until the desired length of the shank is left outside the holder when the inner shell 5 can be screwed into the outer shell and the clamping jaws 10 forced into the opening 3 of the tapered end thus gripping the shank of the hook." "By making the inner shell 5 hollow, and of the proper length, I can use it as a reservoir for an assortment of needles for various sizes and kinds of crochet work."

Cut 30 mm of 12 mm aluminium rod. Drill 3.5 mm through on the axis, then 8.5 mm from the back 18 mm deep. Finish the bottom of the bore with the 8.5 mm bit's point, then file the front 15 mm to a flattened taper.

Cut 30 mm of 8 mm brass rod. Drill 3.3 mm through on the axis and tap the back 10 mm M4. File the front to a cone matching the bore's bottom, and saw two cuts across it 12 mm deep, making four jaws.

Epoxy the nose into one end of 120 mm of 1/2" brass tube. Epoxy an M4 nut in a 20 mm hardwood plug, centred, and set it 50 mm behind the nose. Screw 90 mm of M4 threaded rod through the nut into the jaws.

Choose a hook from the set with a shank under 3.3 mm and file two flats on it. Push it through the nose into the jaws and turn the rod's back end to draw the jaws in until it grips. Then reverse it, point inside, and clamp it again.

Tie yarn to the hook's throat and pull along it with the force meter until it slips. Repeat at finger-tight and at firm; then twist the hook by hand and see if it turns.

**Samuel H. Burns** of Brooklyn, New York, filed US 1,518,961 on 1 March 1924, a continuation in part of his application of 5 June 1922; it was patented 9 December 1924. The flattened tapered end gives the thumb and forefinger a grip, and with a non-round shank the hook cannot turn in it. His small tube turns freely on the inner shell, so the jaws are drawn in without revolving; a cap on the inner shell turns it. **Honest limits.** Our jaws turn with the screw, where his did not, and a threaded rod replaces his threaded inner shell. The drill point leaves a steep 118° cone, which grips less than a shallow taper would. Sizes are ours. Your pull forces are the result.