Socks and carrying thread

[vaknitter]

So I splurged over Christmas at a LYS near my parents and bought some nice sock yarn that came with coordinating carrying thread for the heel and toe. The shop owner said it will increase the life of the socks. My question is how & when do I bring in the carrying thread? I have knit socks before and really enjoyed them (although this pair will be on smaller needles) and my trusted sock patterns do not mention carrying thread.....
thank you

[dustinac]

When you start to knit the Heel flap you will start with your carry thread and use it till you finish the heel turn... then put it a side while you work the gusset and foot of the sock...when you start the toe pick it up and use it again...

I've heard it does make the sock wear longer and have used it... but then heard from some it doesn't and that just going down a needle size for the heel and toe works a bit better (this is what I do now cause I always forgot to pick up the thread and then would have to frog back to use it )... I think it's all in personal taste though...one knitter told me not to use it cause it would cut into the wool...

[Plantgoddess+]

I have used a nylon harness thread to reinforce heels in hubby's work socks and it seemed to help. He's hard on socks. When they finally wore through, the thread was still there and it made it easier to darn and extend the life of the sock.