Standard Wool/Fiber Hackle

GENERAL PRODUCT SAFETY REGULATION (GPSR) INFORMATION

Intended Use:
Handcrafted Standard Wool Hackle designed for opening, aligning, blending, and preparing wool or other suitable fibers.

The hackle contains multiple sharp metal tines and must be handled as a sharp fiber-processing tool.

The exact working width, tine count, tine spacing, and row configuration depend on the selected product configuration.


CAUTION — SHARP TINES

The metal tines are intentionally sharp and are necessary for normal fiber preparation.

• Keep hands, fingers, face, loose clothing, hair, jewelry, and other objects away from the tine points

• Work slowly and deliberately

• Do not reach across or press downward onto the tine field

• Keep other people clear of the working area

• Keep away from children and pets

• This is a fiber-processing tool, not a toy


BEFORE EACH USE

Inspect the Wool Hackle before use.

Do not use the hackle if:

• A tine is loose, broken, severely bent, or damaged

• The wooden body is cracked, split, severely warped, or damaged

• Structural damage is present around the tine field

• A mounting hole or mounting area is damaged

• Hazardous splinters or sharp damaged wood edges are present

• The hackle cannot be mounted securely

• Any condition could interfere with safe or controlled use


SECURE THE HACKLE BEFORE USE

The Wool Hackle must be securely mounted before processing fiber.

Use an appropriate compatible mounting method on a stable, suitable work surface.

Before use:

• Confirm the work surface is stable and structurally sound

• Confirm the hackle cannot slide, tip, rotate, lift, or release unexpectedly

• Make sure mounting hardware is positioned correctly and securely

• Gently test the mounted hackle for movement before loading fiber

Stop immediately if the hackle shifts or becomes loose during use.

Do not continue processing fiber until the hackle has been securely repositioned.


USING STUDIO HOOKS

When compatible Riley Wood and Fiber Art Studio Hooks are used:

• Insert the metal hook through the intended mounting hole

• Position the wooden block securely against or beneath the supporting surface

• Hand-tighten the thumbscrew until the hackle is held securely

• Confirm the hackle cannot move unexpectedly before beginning work

Do not overtighten the Studio Hooks.

Excessive tightening may damage the hackle, mounting hardware, or supporting surface.


LOADING FIBER

Load fiber carefully onto the hackle tines.

• Keep fingers behind and away from the tine points

• Apply fiber using controlled hand movements

• Do not force an excessive amount of fiber onto the tine field

• Do not push hands downward into the tines

• Maintain awareness of all exposed tine points

If fiber becomes tightly caught:

• Stop working

• Reduce tension

• Remove or reposition the fiber carefully

• Do not pull suddenly toward the tine points


FIBER PROCESSING

Use controlled, deliberate movements when processing fiber across the hackle.

If using wool combs or another compatible fiber-processing tool with the hackle:

• Keep the hackle securely mounted

• Maintain control of the other tool

• Keep fingers and hands clear of both tine fields

• Do not allow metal tine points to strike one another

• Do not use excessive force

• Stop work before repositioning the hackle or adjusting mounting hardware


TINE SAFETY

Before and during use, confirm that:

• Tines remain securely installed

• Tines are not severely bent or damaged

• Tines remain aligned well enough for normal use

• No tine has loosened from the wooden body

Do not attempt to straighten, reposition, or repair a tine while actively processing fiber.

Stop use before inspecting or servicing the tine field.


SAFE HANDLING

When moving the hackle:

• Keep hands away from the tine points

• Support the wooden body securely

• Do not carry the hackle by the tines

• Keep the tine field directed away from your body and other people

• Move slowly through the work area

When setting the hackle down, position it where the tine points cannot be contacted accidentally.


CARE

• Remove loose fiber and debris after use

• Keep the wooden body clean and dry

• Keep metal tines dry

• Do not soak or submerge the hackle in water

• Do not use harsh cleaners or chemicals that could damage the wood, finish, or metal components

• Wipe wooden surfaces with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth when necessary

• Dry all components thoroughly if they become damp

• Periodically inspect the tines, wooden body, and mounting areas


STORAGE

Store the Wool Hackle:

• In a clean, dry location

• With the tine points protected from accidental contact where practical

• Away from children and pets

• Away from excessive moisture

• Protected from heavy impacts or crushing

• Where the tine field cannot snag clothing or surrounding objects

Do not place heavy objects directly on the tines.

If a compatible protective hackle cover is used, install and secure it correctly before storage.


DISCONTINUE USE

Stop using the Wool Hackle if:

• A tine becomes loose, broken, or severely bent

• The wooden body cracks or splits

• Structural damage develops around the tine field

• A mounting area becomes damaged

• Hazardous splinters or sharp damaged wood edges develop

• The hackle can no longer be mounted securely

• Any condition prevents safe or controlled use