Bobbins from a winder which are to be handled by a bobbin changer (1) have trailing yarn ends cut off by an electrical resistance element (21). The element (21) can be moved from a rest position which is clear of the free end (2A) of the spindle (2) to a working position which is outside but near to the free end (2A). The element (21) can be rotated about an axis parallel to the spindle (2) to thermally cut off yarn ends trailing from the bobbin.
