Name and link for "Rod Stops"...

[MarsLander]

I swear I had one as a kid, now after 30 minutes of searching, I can't find one or figure out what they are called.

About 1" long, 3/8" around, 1/8" hole lengthwise. Inside is smooth bore. Outside is like a nut, 6 sided. One hole drilled and tapped through one of the 6 sides. Then a "finger screw," which was a threaded rod, with a flat axial area that you used your fingers to twist the screw in. Kinda like a guitar tuning flat thing.

Slide on your launch rod, lock the screw, acts to hold the rocket off the pad.

I can't fine one or the name....help?

 

[kuririn]

Odd'l Adeptor.
https://www.siriusrocketry.biz/ishop/oddl-rockets-adeptor-camera-tripod-adapter-1045.html
(It is not a "rod stop" per se, it is an adaptor to connect a rod and deflector to any tripod with a standard mount).

 

[kuririn]

For holding rockets off the pad, there are these:
https://www.siriusrocketry.biz/ishop/oddl-rockets-raise-spring-10-pack-1047.html
Or use a clothes pin, masking tape. soda can, whatever.

 

[lr64]

Oops, looks like kuririn got there a bit faster than I did, rendering the following irrelevant unless you're trying to save money. I found the same source as he did, using an image source.
--------------
I find this gadget rather elegant, and cheaper:
https://www.siriusrocketry.biz/ishop/oddl-rockets-raise-spring-1046.html
kuririn got there first once again, except this is for just one of those.

-----------
Haven't found it yet, but I immediately found this:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1014835789
Maybe a bit hefty for a 1/8" rod, but usable, I think.

A search on this may get you close:
1/8" cable stop setscrew
or this:
1/8" shaft setcrew collar
You might have to get your own thumbscrew, though. (NOT finger screw)
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/thumb-screws/steel-spade-head-thumb-screws/

 

[MarsLander]

Odd'l Adeptor.
https://www.siriusrocketry.biz/ishop/oddl-rockets-adeptor-camera-tripod-adapter-1045.html

I got the pic from Odd'l....but I couldn't find a dealer. THANKS!

Like to get one that will go up to 1/4".

Or use a clothes pin, masking tape. soda can, whatever.

or expended E/G engine...yeah I know. The nostalgia in me wants to find one up to 1/4"...I might just have to make one...

 

[MarsLander]

I find this gadget rather elegant, and cheaper:
https://www.siriusrocketry.biz/ishop/oddl-rockets-raise-spring-1046.html
kuririn got there first once again, except this is for just one of those.

-----------
Haven't found it yet, but I immediately found this:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1014835789
Maybe a bit hefty for a 1/8" rod, but usable, I think.

A search on this may get you close:
1/8" cable stop setscrew
or this:
1/8" shaft setcrew collar
You might have to get your own thumbscrew, though. (NOT finger screw)
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/thumb-screws/steel-spade-head-thumb-screws/

Niiiice...very helpful!!!!!!

 

[lr64]

Unless your launch rod is more than 6 inches in diameter, you can easily get a shaft collar that would do the job:
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/collars/shaft-mount-type~set-screw/set-screw-shaft-collars-8/
I don't know if the 6 inch one has enough wall thickness to grind to a hex shape, though. ;-)

 

[MarsLander]

shaft collar

OOOOOOH, gold! Thank you!

hex shape, though

Hex shape doesn't matter, thank you!

 

[JoePfeiffer]

I have some pieces of aluminum tubing with an ID just over 1/8" and various lengths. Just drop the right one over the launch rod; the launch lug rests on the tube.

 

[Azamiryou]

If it's held in place with a set screw, isn't there a risk it will mar the smooth surface of the rod?

 

[MarsLander]

If it's held in place with a set screw, isn't there a risk it will mar the smooth surface of the rod?

Good point. I’ll use a nylon set screw.

 

[Rschub]

For lightweight rockets that would use a 1/8" launch rod, you might get away with an Oring that is tight on the rod and a washer that won't go over the Oring. Adjustable, won't damage anything, cheap and easily replaceable parts.

 

[lr64]

I think I'd use a brass or aluminum thumb screw. Alternatively, I might just make a lump of solder on the end of a steel thumb screw. Unless the threads were big enough that it was unlikely I'd over-torque the nylon and break it. Preferably plumber's solder, i.e. non-toxic and probably stronger.

 

[lr64]

For lightweight rockets that would use a 1/8" launch rod, you might get away with an Oring that is tight on the rod and a washer that won't go over the Oring. Adjustable, won't damage anything, cheap and easily replaceable parts.

Or several o-rings, or the right size RC silicone fuel tubing, or.....

 

[tfischer]

I have some pieces of aluminum tubing with an ID just over 1/8" and various lengths. Just drop the right one over the launch rod; the launch lug rests on the tube.

This sounds simple and no-fuss. I might try this with my 1/4" lug rockets at this weekend's launch if I can find some 1/4" I.D. metal tubing.

 

[hcmbanjo]

I got the pic from Odd'l....but I couldn't find a dealer. THANKS!

Like to get one that will go up to 1/4".

Vendors for sale of the Odd'l rockets Adeptor are:
JonRocket.com, Apogeerockets.com, Erockets.biz and Siriusrocketry.com

The Adeptor fits 1/8" and 3/16" launch rod diameters.
1/8A through E engines.
I wouldn't recommend any larger motors if mounted on a plastic camera tripod.
The whole idea behind the Adeptor was so I didn't have to be on the ground
when connecting up the micro clips.

 

[RokitFlyr]

I just use a spent bp motor. Punch through the clay nozzle, slide down to the blast plate
Cheap and easy.

 

[4regt4]

I just use a spent bp motor. Punch through the clay nozzle, slide down to the blast plate
Cheap and easy.

No need to punch through the clay nozzle. Most of us have a supply of 24mm Estes Catos which no longer have a nozzle......

Hans.

 

[jadebox]

Two different things are being discussed. The Adeptor allows you to use a tripod as a launch pad. For a standoff to keep a rocket off the blast deflector, you want the Raise Spring from Odd'l Rockets.

 

[lr64]

Two different things are being discussed. The Adeptor allows you to use a tripod as a launch pad. For a standoff to keep a rocket off the blast deflector, you want the Raise Spring from Odd'l Rockets.

I'm pretty sure the adapter as shown in the illustration will do a fine job to keep the rocket high enough on the rod.

 

[SolarYellow]

https://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-Wooden-Clothespins-Set-50/dp/B013WJXFB6/

 

[lr64]

It's a little known fact that clothespins have legs and occasionally wander off to parts unknown. It's theorized that they are uncomfortable around large groups of people.

Maybe a rare earth magnet could do the job, at least if thet was one that didn't also have legs. Keep away from wallet, phone, and Eggtimer.

 

[SolarYellow]

At 10 cents each, does it matter? Wandering off is just an excuse to start using a fresh one.

 

[lr64]

Assuming you have a fresh supply at each launch pad.

 

[jadebox]

I'm pretty sure the adapter as shown in the illustration will do a fine job to keep the rocket high enough on the rod.

The Adeptor has one end threaded to fit a standard tripod mount. A 1/8" or 3/16" rod goes in the other end to allow you to connect a launch rod to a standard tripod mount and use the tripod as a launch pad.

​

Note that the Adeptor is under the blast deflector. See: https://www.rocketreviews.com/oddl-rockets-adeptor-other-by-tom-markel.html

If you want a stand-off, check out the Raise accessory: https://www.rocketreviews.com/oddl-rockets-raise-by-chan-stevens.html

​

 

[jrains]

It's a little known fact that clothespins have legs and occasionally wander off to parts unknown. It's theorized that they are uncomfortable around large groups of people.

Maybe a rare earth magnet could do the job, at least if thet was one that didn't also have legs. Keep away from wallet, phone, and Eggtimer.

The last lifetime supply of clothespins I bought ‘featured’ springs so weak I doubt that they would secure doll clothes let alone support rockets. Without getting deep, the race to the bottom for commodity items is maddening.

 

[Pem Tech]

Oops, looks like kuririn got there a bit faster than I did, rendering the following irrelevant unless you're trying to save money. I found the same source as he did, using an image source.
--------------
I find this gadget rather elegant, and cheaper:
https://www.siriusrocketry.biz/ishop/oddl-rockets-raise-spring-1046.html
kuririn got there first once again, except this is for just one of those.

*FLASHBACK*
One of these came with the Centuri Screaming Eagle starter kit! I'd forgotten all about it. Was very handy, but it did corrode quickly.

 

[Pem Tech]

The Adeptor has one end threaded to fit a standard tripod mount. A 1/8" or 3/16" rod goes in the other end to allow you to connect a launch rod to a standard tripod mount and use the tripod as a launch pad.

​

Now that is a great idea! Time to break out the Manfrotto to make ignitor clips easier to attach.

 

[VAXman]

I swear I had one as a kid, now after 30 minutes of searching, I can't find one or figure out what they are called.

About 1" long, 3/8" around, 1/8" hole lengthwise. Inside is smooth bore. Outside is like a nut, 6 sided. One hole drilled and tapped through one of the 6 sides. Then a "finger screw," which was a threaded rod, with a flat axial area that you used your fingers to twist the screw in. Kinda like a guitar tuning flat thing.

Slide on your launch rod, lock the screw, acts to hold the rocket off the pad.

I can't fine one or the name....help?

You can make these cheaply from a 1/4 inch (for 1/8 or 3/16 rods) and 5/16 inch (for 1/4 inch rod) coupling nuts. Drill a hole and tap it accordingly for the thumb screw. You could easily make ten for the price of one from Sirius!

I've built several from a length of aluminum rod. I mill out and tap a hole at one end and then a through hole across the diameter of the rod at one end to slide over the launch rod. Mine provide a shelf for rockets on the rod.