Rubber material for stick pin clutch

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.

Thank you so much!
Yuyen

Does anyone have suggestions for the best materials to use for the
clutch part of a stick pin made from scratch? 

Would the heavier duty earring backs work for such an application?

Helen
UK

Hi Yuyen,

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.

Dave

yuyen is asking about rubber to use as a clutch for a stick pin.

what about the rubber ends for earring posts? they come in different
sizes and colors. some are clear so that there wouldn’t be much
visual impact.

jean adkins

Hi Yuyen

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.

Ruth.

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.

Kathy Johnson
Feathered Gems Jewelry