The Steel Guitar Forum

Anybody have a source for inexpensive aluminum pull rods?...Like MSA's use? They're for my Dekley...same size as MSA...1/8 in. I need about 4 of them about 30 inches, or so, long. I will cut and thread them myself.

I've looked around the web, but I get lost in the engineering jargon and specs. And the hardware stores around here don't carry any.

Welding store?

I used welding rods whenever I need to make rods for my steels. Always found whatever size I needed at a local supplier. Take a sample with you to be sure.

WOW! You guys are quick! Ha!

I appreciate the suggestion, but the welding rod has been suggested to me before, but I'd like to keep the look of all aluminum if possible.

I think the guys are referring to 1/8" aluminum welding rod. Thats what I used several years ago when I reworked my Classic SS (shown in my signature picture). I bought it at a welding supply store. I probably have what you need, I'll look today and let you know.

Oh! I see. Sorry for the misunderstanding, guys. (told you this stuff confuses me!)

Thanks Darvin. I'd appreciate that.

Hi Mike,

I've had good service recently from this outfit:

http://www.mcmaster.com/

The first page has a bazillion items on it, but scroll down to the very last paragraph, "Raw Materials and Springs", the click on "Metals"...on the next couple of pages click "aluminum", then "rods and disks" and you're there. I ordered some Stainless rod for pedal pulls, as well as an assortment of tubing and extruded aluminum shapes, most of it in 6 foot sections; arrived within two days in heavy cardboard tubes - great service!

John

Mike ,I found some at 'Home Depot"The other day...the same as the Dekleys,Stu

Thanks again, Stu. I'll run up there tomorrow and check them out.

WOW! Is this Forum GREAT or what!!! All these helpful tips and suggestions......GOTTA love it!! You guys are the BEST!!!

I found both at a big Ace Hdwe store, I dont think brass rattles so much but who am I to say. I just chuck em in a cordless drill and zip em thru the die which I hold by hand... Aluminum or brass.

Just a 'heads up' here for you thinkers, but aluminum has approximately double the amount of
thermal expansion/contraction of steel - translating into twice the tuning deviation when the temperature changes.

~Russ



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Mike-I got a bunch of alum welding rods for my MSA once to make it a few lbs lighter. But found there are two denseity ones. Dont get the regular but I cant remember the number but get the denser ones, lots easier to thread, I found out . It is still the same size, so ask about it. good luck...al.

Thanks for all the replies. I got an email from Donny Hinson that alerted me to the problem with aluminum pull rods, and he advised stainless. In fact he believes that my Dekley's current rods are stainless steel. So, I'll take his, and others', advice and go with stainless.

My only question is....having looked over the stock on the McMasters website, which type of rod is the right one? If you go there (metals/stainless steel/rods and discs/1/8") you'll see six different compositions. Which one would be right for pull rods? I don't understand which composition is appropriate.

Could one of you guys please advise me? (and I thought playing steel could get confusing!!!)

edit: I just checked the existing rods and they have no magnetic attraction to a strong magnet that I used for testing. Shouldn't stainless be at least a little magnetic? I know aluminum is not.

Mike, could they be galvanized rods?
I have an assortment of types and sizes on my guitar.
Hate it. Would like to know: what was originally used on MSA?

If you want stainless steel rods, your cheapest source is a welding supply store. That's where I get my rods when I rebuild an Emmons p/p. They come in 36" lengths.

Charlie, I really don't know. I used to think they were just aluminum, but I've been told they were likely stainless steel.

I'm just gonna pull the trigger and order stainless in a composition that seems good. If I end up with the right thing, I'll post a thread about them. McMaster-Carr's site prices one kind at $4.32 for a 6 foot length (part #89095K11, pg.3479). I'll just order one and see how it goes.

Hi Mike,
The unused plated stainless 3/16 rods I used for pedal pulls still have a sticker on each labeled "Steel Works"; I got these at either Lowes or Home depot over a year ago before researching the online sources....McMaster-Carr's chart at the bottom of the page for stainless rods lists three or four types with "excellent" ratings for machinability, sawing and corrosion resistance - probably a good bet. I'm not completely satisfied with the hooks I bent at the top of each pull - another technique to be learned

John

My MSA Classic SS came with aluminum pull rods. True, aluminum does expand and contract more than steel or stainless steel, but, this hasn't been a problem for me, since I either leave my steels set up in my studio or at church. When I do play outside, I usually use my Fessenden.

Mike,I just put a magnet on my Dekley rods and got nothing..zip,I assume that means that they are aluminum..Stu

Stainless steel isn't very magnetic either.

Dekley used only 1/8" stainless steel rods with 5-40 threads at the factory. That's not to say someone couldn't have swapped them for aluminum between then and now.

They must be stainless...I will now put the magnet back on the refrigerator where it holds up a Pizza take out menu.

, Hi Mike . I would get in touch with Duane Marrs for the correct rods to use . They are very helpful . Gary .

Welding supply store

Jim Smith, thank you for clearing that up. In this case, I'm confident that nobody swapped out the rods to aluminum. It was kept original by the previous owner.

To everyone who suggested Home Depot, Lowes, Tractor Supply, Welding Shops, etc. I called each and every one of them in my vicinity...NOBODY has any stainless 1/8 in. rods/welding rods...but lots of the wrong sizes!! I was amazed!! That's what I get for living in a rural farming town.

OK, I need stainless, 1/8 in. rod, threaded to 5/40. Now I can order some, thanks to a "little help from my friends". (roll Beatles track...fade to 3...cue announcer........)



Thanks a million to everyone who posted! You guys are tops in my book...none better anywhere!!!

BTW, here's a pic of my Dekley.....