Hey all,

Been a while since i was on here as ive had to put my plans to build a seven on hold for a while. things taking up funds like moving out and holidays.

Buy i have a problem and it seems like the kind of thing you guys might be able to help with.

Basically i need to get hold of some very strong wire, like piano wire.
1.4 - 1.6mm thick. as strong as possible. anything that really wont bend easily. although it will have to be shaped at 90° angles.

Any ideas on specific metals or alloys i should be looking for or places i can look to buy this stuff.

Im after small is quantities as it will only be used in 6-8inch pieces.

All the best andi look forward to reading any replies.

John

try model engineer suplliers
most will be able to supply

They do but its not as strong as im after unfortunately. or in the places ive tried.

what about steel rod the type you get out of B+Q ,im'e not sure you get it that thin ..and i think they also do it in brass ,not sure brass will be srong enough,

The closest thing BnQ do is the bare metal garden wire. its close, but not quite strong enough.

Brass woudl be no where near strong enough

A proper aeromodeling shop would have the closest to what you are after. Hardened steel wire, this stuff takes the cutting edge of off pliers and kill hacksaw teeth. ideally cut with a mini disc cutter. It has limited flexibility because it is/was used to make fixed undercarriage so it must also stay in the shape it is bent so that the gear does not collapse on landing.

Try anyone who sells suspended ceilings.
B & Q sell this.
They sell it on a roll or in 1m straight lengths. The straight stuff is normally the strongest.

There's a big farmers supply shop near me, they sell all kinds of wire.

You already know what to look for Piano or "Music" wire --- really pre-stretched spring steel.

For a 90 degree bend you may have to hot bend.

http://www.ema-models.co.uk/shop/catpages/page-LGD.html#LGD4

[Edited on 20/3/07 by britishtrident]

how about stainless mig wire, got loads of the stuff, 1mm thick if you need some.

Sounds strange but for piano wire why not visit a piano shop.

Thats where I got the wire to make my anti rattle pad retainers.

- Jim

Have you tried these guys?

Would Mig welding wire be up to the job?

Cheers,
Jame

You after making lock picking tools with it by any chance Jack?

I can get any amount of ultra high tensile steel 0.25 and 0.4mm wire......................

Have you considered bicycle spokes. These come in various diameters and materials.

Danny

I'd be surprised if there is much that is readily available that exceeds piano wire in tensile strength.....IE if piano wire won't work you could be SOL

Wow cheers for a ll the replies. ive got some links to check out now and some research to do. which will keep me busy. cheers for all the help.

quote:

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Originally posted by mistergrumpy
You after making lock picking tools with it by any chance Jack?

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quote:

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Originally posted by James
Would Mig welding wire be up to the job?

Cheers,
Jame

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