I have some really small scions that I received this year in the mail. Rare variety, so I'm thinking, I'm screwed. I grafted my first scion with my regular thick size 84 rubber band. Pretty difficult: large, unwieldy, I feel like I'm going to break both scion and rootstock. Also worried about air gaps and not very tight snug fitting.

Then I decided to whip and tongue graft it the next time with my normal budding rubber bands: size 64, much smaller. It was easier to do, less worry about breaking them, held much tighter, no worries about air gaps, better in every way. Next time with a tiny scion, I am completely using the smaller rubber band.

John S
PDX OR