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Old 07-10-2018, 09:28 AM
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hcmbanjo hcmbanjo is offline
When Pigs Fly!
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Orlando, FL
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doug Sams
FWIW, besides piano wire, I use the metal strips from discarded windshield wipers. One blade has 2 strips, about enough metal for 10 or so rockets.
The metal is a tad thicker and wider than the old, stock hooks, but it's springy enough to make good retainers.
Not that I want to advocate dumpster diving, but there's usually a few spent wipers in the trash can at the front door of auto parts stores, especially on rainy days
I think I picked up a lifetime supply at O-Reilly's a few years ago
Doug.


Hi Doug,
I've been doing that for a few years. For my Odd'l kits I use the spring steel BMS hooks. For my own builds I sometimes use the windshield wiper steel.

I've made a lot of stops at auto supply stores. Saturday afternoon seems to be the best time to pick up the old wiper blades, they are sticking up out of the trash cans - easy pickins!
I always take a few paper towels with me, the old wiper blades are dirty.
Strip them and pull out the steel strips right at the trash can.
The vendor selling hot dogs always greets me as the Rocket Man. I did explain what I was doing a few years ago.
When making the 90 degree bends - if you feel it cracking, throw that strip away.
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