What do you use to separate the layers between hunt so they don't stick together after rinsing and drying?
toothpicks or plastic fork tips are your most economical option, every house has at least one of them in and endless supply. Its what I have always used.
Nothing. After I rinse them and briefly shake them dry they go straight into the freezer.
I cut the green ends off these
http://www.walmart.com/ip/DenTek-Scrub-Betweens-Dental-Picks-40-count/21695154
Toothpicks
Nothing. Pop a dried out call in each cheek when I get out of the truck. By flydown, spit has loosened them up. Sometimes have to give the top reed a little pull with my fingers.
I use plastic forks...
Since joining this forum, I have switched over to Gooserbat and Hooks calls... I have noticed with both of these call makers that the calls seem to take a small breaking in period, and after using them, and letting them sit with separator (i.e. plastic fork piece), they always seem to sound better, and blow easier. I have especially noticed that it is easier for me to break over the call (make two distinct notes) after using and properly cleaning a new call.
At the end of the season last year, I thoroughly washed and dried the calls, and put the little fork pieces in, and let them sit in a dark area of the refrigerator. I fully planned on replacing my favorite calls, but when I took them out, they sounded better than ever...
Now each year, I will probably purchase a couple that need to be replaced and have spares for my very favorites.
With proper storage and cleaning, I wear out the tape more quickly than the latex... As I am cleaning the calls, I use dish soap, and put some soap on the fork piece to allow it to slide between the latex more easily (I have broken the latex trying to force the fork piece in). I rinse with the fork piece inside (moving it around as I rinse) until there are no more bubbles, and dry, and store.
Quote from: JBIRD22 on April 26, 2016, 09:06:17 AM
Nothing. After I rinse them and briefly shake them dry they go straight into the freezer.
^^ This ^^
Let the water do the work. Freezer makes the water keep the reeds separated.
Toothpicks mainly, but I do have a few "Tonesavers" left from years ago. These were small metal frames shaped like an "M" that you placed in between the reeds. Works really well. I think they were made by Penn Woods Company.
Broken off plastic fork tips
Quote from: FinBonZ on April 26, 2016, 01:40:14 PM
I do have a few "Tonesavers" left from years ago. These were small metal frames shaped like an "M" that you placed in between the reeds. Works really well. I think they were made by Penn Woods Company.
That's what I've used for many years but they have slowly been lost....I'm down to 3 and was hoping someone knew of a similar product. Those things were brilliant. Tiny wire slide between the reeds easier than anything I've tried and never tore the latex.
I'm to the point now if I drop one in the woods I am on my hands and knees sifting through leaf litter or pine straw until I find it.
Might have to try the freezer method at home but a freezer isn't always handy where I might be hunting.
Quote from: BowBendr on April 26, 2016, 12:59:25 PM
Quote from: JBIRD22 on April 26, 2016, 09:06:17 AM
Nothing. After I rinse them and briefly shake them dry they go straight into the freezer.
^^ This ^^
Let the water do the work. Freezer makes the water keep the reeds separated.
I know we were told not to freeze condoms while in college cause it makes the latex brittle... :goofball:
While I would not be quite as concerned if my latex turkey call breaks, I still want them to last as long as possible...
Quote from: Marc on April 28, 2016, 10:28:14 PM
Quote from: BowBendr on April 26, 2016, 12:59:25 PM
Quote from: JBIRD22 on April 26, 2016, 09:06:17 AM
Nothing. After I rinse them and briefly shake them dry they go straight into the freezer.
^^ This ^^
Let the water do the work. Freezer makes the water keep the reeds separated.
I know we were told not to freeze condoms while in college cause it makes the latex brittle... :goofball:
While I would not be quite as concerned if my latex turkey call breaks, I still want them to last as long as possible...
I've used some for a few seasons and have noticed no ill effects. I've been freezing them for 8 yrs or more now.
Toothpicks
Office Depot. Small plastic coated paper clips. Cut off the loop end.
Insert loop first...these work.
I myself rinse, lay on paper towel and pat dry...frig.
Longer storage freezer