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Does anyone have a tried and tested (inexpensive) way to make these ... All replies gratefully received .. K8

I've made them using glass tubing that has a very fine hollow. I think it is sold as capillary tubing. I then use nichrome wire (22swg). Cut a length, single wrap around a rod (I had some small timber rods in my last school, but anything that gives the right diameter), then use a pair of pliers to twist the loop closed. Hope this makes sense. Then thread the wire into the centre of the tubing. When the wire wears out, you can sometimes pull it out intact and reuse the glass. Other times it just doesn't.

Merilyn1 wrote:I've made them using glass tubing that has a very fine hollow. I think it is sold as capillary tubing. I then use nichrome wire (22swg). Cut a length, single wrap around a rod then use a pair of pliers to twist the loop closed. Hope this makes sense. Then thread the wire into the centre of the tubing. When the wire wears out, you can sometimes pull it out intact and reuse the glass. Other times it just doesn't.

Same as above, or place looped wire into a large cork, great for flame test (solids)

I also did some same as merilyn but I would suggest fire glazing the handle end to keep the young'ns hands safe . Also a few gentle crimps in the wire will help it stay put in the capillary tube if it won't stay put .
I have seen methods of fire glazing the wire in the tube but when I tried it , it just cracked so stayed with poking a crimped wire up instead .