Call me a tight wad if you like I'm not ashamed in trying to save money

Here are some DIY Sac Spreaders made from a long Paper Clip the first was simple the second had a double loop in an attempt to give extra spread

I'm always open to alternative suggestions

I really don't understand why someone would need a sac spreader. I use a flattened tooth pick to spread shellac around the circumference of the section nipple and then wet the inside of the sac mouth with another bit of shellac. The sac then pushes right on. If the sac is way too small, it will squirt back off of the nipple regardless of whether it was put on with a spreader.

As a card-carrying tightwad, I avoid the spreader altogether.

Paddler

I've never had a need for a sac-stretcher, but that looks pretty cool, anyway.

yeah, i was ticked when i gave pendemonium $5 for one of those made from hanger wire

i never use it

I just use my fingers. I usually end up a bit shellac'd, but considering that it's even used in food, I figure there's no real harm done other than a bit of temporary colouring...

LOL

I have to bow to everyone's experience.
Being a total Newbie on this I read up all the advice, saw all the pretty pictures & drawings, measured the barrel calculated the sac size, ordered 2 sacs at different sizes smaller, made my spreader, went through various dry runs & then made my first attempt at fitting the bleedin thing on the nipple. I must confess that in the end I just used the larger sac & it slipped on perfectly. Have to say that the stepped shoulders on the sac were not as dramatic as those shown on Richard Binders Site but it worked & fitted the pen nicely.

I will be trying another pen later this week & hope to use the other spare & smaller sac .. not sure if I will end up using the spreaders or not.

I almost never use a sac spreader. Nonetheless, don't jump to the conclusion that they are useless! A sac spreader is very handy indeed when putting a sac over a Skyline nipple where there's also a breather tube sticking out the back. Pushing and sliding the normal way is not just awkward, but with just one slip the tube can end up shattered.

I'll say amen to that. Most of the time I just use my fingers. I just put a sac on a Skyline this weekend and although I have a spreader that I never use, it would have come in useful. Just like any tool, when used for the correct application, it's invaluable. But trying to use it when something simpler will work, you can do more harm than good (imagine cutting cheese with a table saw or something like that).