Figure 6-49.  (A) Hot knife element with cutting tip, basting tip, and stand and (B) heavy duty hot knife.  Figure 6-47.  Beeswax. Figure 6-48.  Spring scale and fabric testing clamps. Figure 6-46.  Ripstop roller. Beeswax—used for waxing 6-cord nylon or any regular  thread for hand tacking.  [Figure 6-47] Hot knife element with cutting tip, basting tip, and stand— used for cutting and searing synthetic materials, such as  nylon, Dacron$^{®}$, and Spectra$^{®}$. The basting tip is used for  fusing canopy material in place prior to sewing during canopy  repairs. The stand is necessary to keep the hot elements from  causing a fire. A heavy-duty hot knife, although expensive,  is a must have for any serious rigger.  [Figure 6-49 A  and  B] Hot glue gun—used to replace staples and hand basting in  harness work. This modern tool has changed harness repair  and construction techniques.  [Figure 6-50] Tension board assembly with apex tiedown—used on the  round packing table to apply tension to the canopy when  packing. There are two models available. One is for military  style L-bar connector links and another, smaller one for  Rapide ® style connector links. The straps should have a  quick release feature to release tension easily.  [Figure 6-51] Size “O” rolled rim spur grommet handset—used for doing  container repairs. The “O” stainless steel model from  Spring scale and fabric testing clamps—used for measuring  the ripcord pull force on reserve and emergency parachutes.  With a minimum rating of 50 pounds, it is also used in  conjunction with the fabric testing clamps to measure fabric  strength on reserve canopies in accordance with Parachute  Industry Association (PIA) TS-108. Some riggers do not use  testing clamps as they can cause damage to good fabric, if  not used properly.  [Figure 6-48] 6-12