styptic breaking

[Flatfish]

Why to Styptic pencils break so easily?
Every one I've owned breaks way before I've used it up despite being very careful.

 

[hando]

...mmm

dunno, it's never happened to me, yet!

maybe your a clumsy chap with a touch like an ellaflump :lol:

 

[hunnymonster]

My first/current/last one was bought by my father sometime before decimalisation - it's still intact. Doesn't see much use though - I tend not to cut myself.

 

[IanM]

Mine broke, but that's because:

a) It's brittle

b) I dropped it into an empty sink

Ian

 

[Boab]

I have had my current pencil for roughly 4 years with no breakage.I haven't dropped it though so I think that helps
My latest alum block suffered an internal crack after I ,rather heavy handed, dropped it onto the sink from 6 inches height.

 

[Special_K]

What brand is it? Maybe it is poorly made?
How do you store it?

 

[Flatfish]

Its one I found in a local chemist. I find they are just so brittle, too long and thin. I'm sure getting it wet causes it to disolve and get weak.

 

[hunnymonster]

How are you using it?

The odd occasions I want to use mine, I dip the tip off the styptic, hit the spot I need to hit and blot the styptic dry on some toilet paper, then leave it "open" to dry.

 

[Flatfish]

It was Boots make.
What happens if you don't dry them?

 

[hunnymonster]

Typically the styptic pencil is made up of aluminium sulphate (soluble) and talc (insoluble), compressed together - add water to that and it will partly dissolve.

If it's kept wet (by not drying it and putting it away) then the moisture left will slowly permeate through it and weaken it.

 

[Flatfish]

If it's kept wet (by not drying it and putting it away) then the moisture left will slowly permeate through it and weaken it.

Thats probably where I'm going wrong.

If at first you don't succeed, read the instructions.

 

[Special_K]

I don't think they put that in the instructions....they want you to have to buy another.... :lol: