Tie Tacks

[Highlander]

I shun them... I encourage everyone I know to shun them, but some keep poking holes in their nice ties. Your thoughts????

 

[Feraud]

I am not a fan of tacs when a clip will do the job.

 

[Carlisle Blues]

Nope they are just plain tacky......

 

[Schofields]

tie tacks no. stick pins yes.

 

[Bugsy]

I used to wear tie tacks all the time; then I discovered really good ties. I have a lovely collection of tacks which sit proudly in my jewelry box. There is no way I'm going to poke a hole in either a vintage tie, or a modern one that cost around $200.

 

[Widebrim]

I use them with caution. Bold Look ties are often too wide to use with a tie bar, so I will sometimes employ a tie tack. My experience is, depending on the fabric used, that the resulting hole will close up fairly well. Having said that, a stick pin would be preferable.

 

[HatRak]

FWIW, taking some ultra-fine sandpaper (roughly 400 grit) to the pin can help minimize the damage. Round the point off and polish the sides. If the point is rounded, it will tend to push the fabric threads apart, sliding between them without much damage. A sharp point, and especially one that is rough, will catch the threads and cut them causing the very damage you want to avoid. This is why ball point needles are used in some types of sewing.

 

[Wally_Hood]

I use them with caution. Bold Look ties are often too wide to use with a tie bar, so I will sometimes employ a tie tack. My experience is, depending on the fabric used, that the resulting hole will close up fairly well. Having said that, a stick pin would be preferable.

My thoughts eggsackley. I use tie tacs every time I wear a tie (regular, not bow, natch), with one or two exceptions throughout the year when I use a clip.

I prefer a tac because it keeps the tie in place as I move around.

 

[Bugsy]

For the gentleman who doesn't use either a tie tack or a clasp, may I suggest the "Tie Thing". I have several and find them a wonderful way to keep my tie in place all day long including when wearing a waistcoat. The design is so simple, I'm amazed someone hadn't thought of it before. A very effective accessory. http://thetiething.com/product.aspx

 

[cptjeff]

For the gentleman who doesn't use either a tie tack or a clasp, may I suggest the "Tie Thing". I have several and find them a wonderful way to keep my tie in place all day long including when wearing a waistcoat. The design is so simple, I'm amazed someone hadn't thought of it before. A very effective accessory. http://thetiething.com/product.aspx

Interestingly enough, I have a vintage tie that has something like that already built into the tie. It has a loop for the small end in back, and attached to the back of said loop is a brass clasp. Quite clever.

I looked up the patent number, and the patent also specified a magnet to be installed in the end of the tie to hold it to the top of the belt buckle. That part isn't present in my tie, and I doubt it made it into actual production.


As for tacks, the only one I ever wear is my eagle scout one. I find that if I'm careful to part threads instead of rip through them it closes up just fine.

 

[Highlander]

Thanks Gentlemen, always appreciate input, ideas and opinions.

 

[JimWagner]

I prefer a tie tack over a bar. But, if I'm concerned about damaging the tie and the tie has a loop on the back to hold the skinny end I just put the tack through the loop. Keeps the tie in place, is invisible, and doesn't damage the tie fabric.

I have to say that I have ties I've owned for many years and used tie tacks on (through the tie) without any visible damage though.

 

[Atinkerer]

Hi,

I like Tie-bars.

When I went to the jewelry store to bye one, I was greeted with raised eyebrows and told that no one really stocks them anymore because there's no call for them. That may be true. And it may be for that very reason that they seem to make such a bold statement of classic male elegance.

Also, I don't have to worry about them punching a hole into, or ripping a thread out of my favorite tie.

Tony

 

[Mid-fogey]

Typically...

...I use a small, 2" tie bar holding the small end of the tie. I put the small end through the loop "keeper" in the back of the tie and then use the clip below the keeper and between the buttons. It doesn't show or damage the tie, and keeps the tie from moving.

Some folks favor the chains that have a small hanger that hooks over a button on the back of the tie. Those can look good with the right tie.

 

[cptjeff]

...I use a small, 2" tie bar holding the small end of the tie. I put the small end through the loop "keeper" in the back of the tie and then use the clip below the keeper and between the buttons. It doesn't show or damage the tie, and keeps the tie from moving.

Some folks favor the chains that have a small hanger that hooks over a button on the back of the tie. Those can look good with the right tie.

My dad uses one of those. Looks nice enough, but the links often get twisted oddly, which screws it up somewhat.

 

[Widebrim]

...I use a small, 2" tie bar holding the small end of the tie. I put the small end through the loop "keeper" in the back of the tie and then use the clip below the keeper and between the buttons. It doesn't show or damage the tie, and keeps the tie from moving.

Some folks favor the chains that have a small hanger that hooks over a button on the back of the tie. Those can look good with the right tie.

That first idea is a good one, if your tie has the loop. As for tie bars w/chains, I've got a few, and like 'em. My "rarest" features a RCA TV picture tube on the chain, and likely dates around 1950.

 

[Widebrim]

Hi,

I like Tie-bars.

When I went to the jewelry store to bye one, I was greeted with raised eyebrows and told that no one really stocks them anymore because there's no call for them. That may be true. And it may be for that very reason that they seem to make such a bold statement of classic male elegance.

Also, I don't have to worry about them punching a hole into, or ripping a thread out of my favorite tie.

Tony

They're still sold here in L.A., although tie tacks seem to outnumber them. What I do like about tie bars, apart from the elegance that you mention, is that when they're employed, the necktie stays down and doesn't pop out from under the jacket, something which is needed when wearing low-cut, post WWII SB suits (and some DB,too).

 

[Widebrim]

FWIW, taking some ultra-fine sandpaper (roughly 400 grit) to the pin can help minimize the damage. Round the point off and polish the sides. If the point is rounded, it will tend to push the fabric threads apart, sliding between them without much damage. A sharp point, and especially one that is rough, will catch the threads and cut them causing the very damage you want to avoid. This is why ball point needles are used in some types of sewing.

Good hint, HatRak, and makes sense!

 

[Widebrim]

I just used a tie tack with a mid-'50s handpainted necktie, and the tack didn't leave any mark.:eusa_clap

 

[Guttersnipe]

How about a "Bold Look" sized vintage tie clip? I've never been a fan of sticking tie tacks in my vintage ties, so I use tie clips from the era on my 40's ties.

I use them with caution. Bold Look ties are often too wide to use with a tie bar, so I will sometimes employ a tie tack. My experience is, depending on the fabric used, that the resulting hole will close up fairly well. Having said that, a stick pin would be preferable.