Motor Clips?

I spent most of this afternoon running around pretty much for nothing. I'm looking for a source of I guess its spring steel. Ya know the metal used to make motor clips for the smaller model rockets 13, 18 & 24mm.

I went to Lowes, Menards, Ace hardware stores, then off to a machine shop, and finially 2 different sheet metal shops here in Rapid City. No one has anything, and no body has a clue as to where to find it.

So I'm turning to you guys once again for help. I want to make some motor clips, now where in the world can I find the metal?

Crashin J

I think you need to talk to our own flying_silverad. I believe he makes them out of old windshield wiper blades. I'm also pretty sure that he sells them pre-made on his website. Check out the vendor forum for his link.

this comes up a number of times.

a quick search for "engine hooks steel" locates:

https://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1983&highlight=engine+hooks+steel

where someone mentions using the steel form found in windshield wipers for engine hooks. I've never done this, but knowing their construction, it is clear that this would be PERFECT for such an application as engine hooks!

Why as a matter of fact! I just opened a pack of flying_silverado's
engine clips.

They just came in the mail.

I couldn't make 'em for the price he charges.

Try his parachutes too!

sandman

Windshield wiper blades have a stainless steel strip running down each side. They come apart easily and can be bent after heating with a torch. I heat them red hot, let them cool for half a minute, reheat them, bend them, and temper the hot metal in cold water. I bend the cut end first, measure and make the second bend, then cut the desired length with a chisel.

Well, I knew you guys would not let me down. In hardly anytime I had the answer to the problem that I wasted half the afternoon on! Looks like I need to make a trip to the junkyard in the next day or so.

You guys are great! Thanks for the help!


Crashin J