Does anyone have suggestions for the best materials to use for the
clutch part of a stick pin made from scratch? I’ve so far heard: pink
eraser, test tube stopper, cork…etc. I’m wondering what would be
the most secure and long-lasting. I will appreciate any feedback from
anyone who’s had experiences with this matter.
Does anyone have suggestions for the best materials to use for the
clutch part of a stick pin made from scratch?
You might try making a coil of wire that is just slightly smaller in
diameter than the pin it is going on. After winding & cutting to
length, the coil is mounted in a tube or other more finished looking
part. When putting the clutch on the pin it can be pushed on. When
removing it an unscrewing/pulling motion works. I’ve used this method
to make a clutch with a pearl as the finished part.
A little experimenting may be necessary with the wire size for the
coil.
A few years ago I made some gold ‘stick pins’ and I needed something
to cover the end of the pin. I made some gold tubing and capped one
end. I then pushed the other end into an ordinary eraser till the cap
was full then trimmed the eraser flush with the cap. Pushing it on to
the pin made a tight secure fit.
I found one of these pins recently and the eraser filling was still
there and functioning. It was easy enough to clean out the cap and
replace the filling which I have done, only this time I have used a
plastic eraser (hopefully longer lasting.). I will see if it still
works in another 10 years time.
Does anyone have suggestions for the best materials to use for the
clutch part of a stick pin made from scratch?
If you can get your hands on some red rubber medical catheters,
those are great for the rubber liners for pin clutches.They come in a
bunch of different diameters, so you can get the one closest to the
size of your metal tubing. They’re also great for protecting pins
during tumbling–cut off a short bit of catheter and slip it over the
sharp end of the pin. Here’s a link to a gauge chart for determining
catheter sizes–it’s non-intuitive otherwise, backwards from wire
gauges.
Most medical supply places require a prescription to order rubber
catheters, but they’re sold on ebay with no such restrictions.