Anyone use 5/32 rods?

10fttall · May 22, 2012

I am purchasing new 3/16" and 1/4" rods- nice and long and all one piece, from my local metal supplier. They don't have any 1/8 stainless, but they do carry 5/32" for a very reasonable price. Has anyone used this size? Would it grab the lugs? I've not seen it in person- I've only inquired over the phone. Just wondering if anyone has used this successfully.

JStarStar · May 22, 2012

My guess is a 5/32" rod would indeed be very snug in a 1/8" lug. You might get away with it since launch lugs are usually made of somewhat pilable materials but more than likely the fit would be very tight which of course you do not want.

A quick Google shows Home Depot listing 1/8 x 48" steel rods for $2.97.

10fttall · May 22, 2012

Yeah, I guess it probably wouldn't work out very well. I was just wondering because it would be so easy to get one when I'm there in person anyway, and I'm looking to get a nice stainless 72" rod.

JStarStar · May 22, 2012

10fttall said:
Yeah, I guess it probably wouldn't work out very well. I was just wondering because it would be so easy to get one when I'm there in person anyway, and I'm looking to get a nice stainless 72" rod.

I'm not sure I would go with a 1/8" rod 72" long -- unless it was titanium or something considerably stiffer than steel.

When I've seen 1/8" rods longer than 4 feet, rod whip starts to be a major factor, especially on heavier rockets.

o1d_dude · May 22, 2012

Troo dat.

Even 6'x1/4" rods tend to be a little flexible. My preference is for a 6'x3/8" launch rod but that requires planning ahead when building the rocket. I've used 7/16" K&S brass tubing for the lugs and have had no problems.

Several of my rockets have launch lugs of different sizes to accomodate whatever launch pad is available.

Anyone use 5/32 rods?

Help Support The Rocketry Forum:

10fttall

Well-Known Member

JStarStar

Well-Known Member

10fttall

Well-Known Member

JStarStar

Well-Known Member

o1d_dude

'I battle gravity'

Similar threads

Latest posts

Anyone use 5/32 rods?

Help Support The Rocketry Forum:

10fttall

Well-Known Member

JStarStar

Well-Known Member

10fttall

Well-Known Member

JStarStar

Well-Known Member

o1d_dude

'I battle gravity'

Similar threads

Latest posts

Join the conversation!

Join today and get all the highlights of this community direct to your inbox. It's FREE!