Thread: Brass rod and washers question

Does Lowes/Home Depot carry the brass rods and washers for pinning the scales? Also, If I wanted to add a 3rd pin (to support the blade when closed) would I need to put a sleeve on it to keep the scales seperated?

Thanks, Ron

You'd probably have better luck at Michael's or Hobby Lobby than a big box home improvement store. Rod and washes that size are of no use to most people. An Ace, True Value, Do It Best or that ilk are your best bet for locally source small diameter rod. I picked up a 3 pack of rods for $1.79 at my local Ace.

I have never found them at lowes or home depot.
Independent hardware stores, like Ace, I have had good results. A hobby store may also be a good source.

A popular vendor for rod is k & s engineering. If the store you visit carries their supplies, typically, they have display case with rods and tubes of various material.

A third pin does require a sleeve to hold the scales apart, unifying them to add strength. You're not adding it to hold the blade up

IMO this is a great deal here:
Brass Rod, 1/16 Inch Dia. x 12 Inches Long (Pkg. of 15)

I understand, I'm going to hit Hobby Lobby tomorrow afternoon. One more thing. What are the silver colored rods, I'm thinking aluminum maybe? It seems like the only material soft enough to tap into the mushroom.

Thanks,
Ron

Looking forward to hearing if hobby lobby had washers to fit the brass rod or silver rod.

Regards
Louis.

Originally Posted by ronthefireman

I understand, I'm going to hit Hobby Lobby tomorrow afternoon. One more thing. What are the silver colored rods, I'm thinking aluminum maybe? It seems like the only material soft enough to tap into the mushroom.

Thanks,
Ron

the silver looking rod is nickel-silver.

Originally Posted by ronthefireman

Does Lowes/Home Depot carry the brass rods and washers for pinning the scales? Also, If I wanted to add a 3rd pin (to support the blade when closed) would I need to put a sleeve on it to keep the scales seperated?

Thanks, Ron

I agree with the other comments, I have not seen rods and washers of our size needs at any HD/Lowes. I haven't even seen them at the Ace stores around me. The only place I have found is Blick art supply, which may have a store in Atlanta.

I am making a set of scales with a third pin right now, unless you dome/flatten the third one very carefully so as not to pinch the scales together, you will probably want a sleeve/bushing.

Originally Posted by ronthefireman

I understand, I'm going to hit Hobby Lobby tomorrow afternoon. One more thing. What are the silver colored rods, I'm thinking aluminum maybe? It seems like the only material soft enough to tap into the mushroom.

Thanks,
Ron

Nickel plated brass is the silver stuff, iirc. If you can't find the washers I remember seeing a how to in the wiki about making the out of thin sheets of brass and a hole punch, but I could just be crazy.