Peter Christy Posted May 9, 2023 Share Posted May 9, 2023 Does anyone know of a source of 2mm or 3mm metal rod? In days of yore, I used to use bicycle spokes, but these days they all seem to be stainless and can't be threaded. The 2mm rods sold by model shops may have a 2mm thread on them, but beyond the threaded area, they are only about 1.7mm and too small to make a 2mm thread! I'm trying to make a "U" shaped strap to mount something - a bit like we used to make for dustbin silencers in years gone by. Ideally 2mm, but 3mm if I have to. The rod must be bendable and thread-able. I can't even find wire coat hangers any longer! -- Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul De Tourtoulon Posted May 9, 2023 Share Posted May 9, 2023 I use gas welding rods since 1984,,,, They have some sort of cold metal coating and are as cheap as chips,,, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve too Posted May 9, 2023 Share Posted May 9, 2023 Model boat shops do brass rod in those sizes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatMc Posted May 9, 2023 Share Posted May 9, 2023 Model fixings stock 3mm studding, albeit stainless steel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff S Posted May 9, 2023 Share Posted May 9, 2023 I haven't built any wheels lately but I'm surprised you can't still buy so-called rustless 14 swg (2mm) spokes. I still have a lot of spokes but I too only used stainless for my own wheels, and you're right, they can't be tapped. I have a spoke threader that's probably over 100 years old and produced swaged threads on rustless 14 swg spokes but it won't touch stainless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel R Posted May 9, 2023 Share Posted May 9, 2023 As Paul says, steel filler rods, 2.0mm dia is a common size. Not pricey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Collinson Posted May 9, 2023 Share Posted May 9, 2023 What’s wrong with studding or all thread? I can buy metre lengths from Modelshop Leeds in M2/3, I have both steel and brass. Not sure of the steel but it has a black finish and am sure it isn’t stainless. Also stocked in 300mm, easier to post. BTC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Stephenson Posted May 9, 2023 Share Posted May 9, 2023 Wire coat hangers can be a good source of 2mm diameter mild steel which can easily be threaded. The trouble with trying to thread the left-over wire from threaded push rods is that the thread has been rolled on from a smaller diameter than 2mm so it will inevitably slip out of a clevis etc. Ask me how I know, but I got away with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatMc Posted May 9, 2023 Share Posted May 9, 2023 2 minutes ago, Andy Stephenson said: Wire coat hangers can be a good source of 2mm diameter mild steel which can easily be threaded. The trouble with trying to thread the left-over wire from threaded push rods is that the thread has been rolled on from a smaller diameter than 2mm so it will inevitably slip out of a clevis etc. Ask me how I know, but I got away with it. Andy, read the OP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gangster Posted May 9, 2023 Share Posted May 9, 2023 Not all 2mm rods are pressed threads, unless things have changed I rifled through my parts box a couple of years ago and found some that were threaded on 2mm rod. Having said that it is possible that with the changes in the hobby and less suppliers maybe it might not still be the case. 2mm mild steel rods are however available from some eBay suppliers. Do a search for 2mm mild rods Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Stephenson Posted May 9, 2023 Share Posted May 9, 2023 The threaded rod available from Sussex appears to be stainless although they don't say so. https://www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk/search?type=product&options[prefix]=last&q=threaded+rod Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outrunner Posted May 9, 2023 Share Posted May 9, 2023 (edited) Hi Pete I use stainless 2mm cycle spokes... They can be threaded, I use cutting oil with a good quality HSS die, I do have to go carefully but it does work. If it's just a one or two off give me the dimensions and I'll make you some and send the to you or if not urgent I'll be at Ponty. Phil Edited May 9, 2023 by Outrunner Typo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Christy Posted May 10, 2023 Author Share Posted May 10, 2023 Thanks for all the suggestions, folks! I'll follow up on some of them. Just a couple of comments: 1) I've tried threading stainless steel spokes, and my die couldn't handle it. In any case, my understanding is that stainless is prone to cracking when bent and used in applications where vibration may be present. 2) Fully threaded rod: Might be OK, but I'm not sure how strong it would be after bending and subjected to vibration. Same problem as stainless, but might be OK if I can't get anything else. 3) Welding rod. That sounds promising! IIRC, Jim Morley used it to make the tail booms on his Bell 47 models, so it can clearly tolerate vibration. If it can be threaded, that sounds like a good option. 4) I have seen some black cycle spokes, but it isn't clear if the metal underneath the coating is stainless or not. Might see if I can locate a sample from a local cycle shop. 5) Search the local village pond for a dumped bicycle or pram...! 🤣 If I find anything useful, I'll post a follow-up! Cheers, -- Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun Walsh Posted May 10, 2023 Share Posted May 10, 2023 On the 4-max website two different types of 2mm pushrod are available, one is described as stainless, the other isn't. Might be worth giving George a call. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Christy Posted May 10, 2023 Author Share Posted May 10, 2023 Finally! Found some mild steel 2mm rod on Ebay! Should arrive by the week-end, but unfortunately I'll be away. I'll find out if its any good next week. Thanks to everyone for your suggestions! And in case anyone is wondering what its for, I'm making some electric conversions for MicroMold Lark helicopters, and need something to attach the motor mount (3D printed) to the chassis plate. Cheers, -- Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Squirrel Posted May 10, 2023 Share Posted May 10, 2023 I get length of 14swg piano wire from inwoods so would have thought most shops would have similar? or am i missingsomething? https://inwoodmodels.com/product/14g-piano-wire-2-03mm-36-long/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outrunner Posted May 10, 2023 Share Posted May 10, 2023 6 minutes ago, Flying Squirrel said: I get length of 14swg piano wire from inwoods so would have thought most shops would have similar? or am i missingsomething? https://inwoodmodels.com/product/14g-piano-wire-2-03mm-36-long/ Piano wire is too hard to thread Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Squirrel Posted May 10, 2023 Share Posted May 10, 2023 1 hour ago, Outrunner said: Piano wire is too hard to thread Ah OK, thought it couldn't be that easy..I have something similar to do so won't waste time trying on piano wire! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyinFlynn Posted May 11, 2023 Share Posted May 11, 2023 17 hours ago, Outrunner said: Piano wire is too hard to thread Can it not be annealed to soften it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outrunner Posted May 11, 2023 Share Posted May 11, 2023 Just now, FlyinFlynn said: Can it not be annealed to soften it? You could try Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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