[Meddler]

I have three different types of serving tool.

1) The three hole one... (aka a Bjorn serving tool)
Putting the thread through the three holes, no problem, when you come to putting the thread through the tiny hole through the v-gap in the top, it's a pain. Sometimes you can get wax build up on there which clogs things up.

The tool can lose tension, or it can make the tension to tight, and both can cause problems. The tension can vary so you get uneen tension on the serving (which you can feel if you run your fingers across it, it fels like bumps in the serving).

2) The Cavalier one - metal construction with three posts that you run the thread over. easy to load, until you get to the little hole through the v-gap (see above)

Tension can vary, as per 1

3) Beiter Winder (WIBL - no not that scene from "Blackadder goes forth") / Beiter Winder Profi
Easy to load, and the last bit where the thread goes through to the little hole in the v-gap... magic. Because it has been slotted, the thread goes straight in. Easy to set the tension - both seem to keep an even tension all the way down the serving.

However..... you have to have the tool facing the right way, otherwise when you try to swing it round the string, the tool just falls off, and the thread comes out of the top slot.

Both the Beiters have the steel nuts which allows you to get really consistent and tight servings.

For me it's a ####-up between the Beiters and the Cavalier tools. The Bjorn one works, it's cheaper than the rest, and it's better than holding the spool in your hand and winding it on.