Buy all my rods at the local home improvement store.

1/8 and 3/16 are 48" long.

1/4 is 72" long.

Wipe them off with acetone after a flight then a quick wipe with WD40 and store then in 1/2" PVC

This is a very popular solution. If I ever find myself flying anything with a 3/16" launch lug, I'll probably need to move in this direction. 'cause I know I don't want to argue with the Estes 3/16 rod.

This December, two Estes "maxi" models have come unexpectedly into my life. Therefore...
... 3/16 rod needed ...
... I don't like the length of the Estes maxi rod ...
... so round rod stock is in the offing ...

... and after all that planning and scheming, I end up joining the majority anyway, with single-piece rods in a PVC pipe carrier.

I did that once before, but I got pipe that was wrong. So I'll do better this time.

Again, thanks to everyone who contributed. Maybe next time I'll listen and heed sooner. :-)

I use all 48" single piece stainless rods in 1/8, 3/16, and 1/4" sizes now.
Two-piece Estes aluminum rods SUCK.

Inexpensive Rod Source
 

One of the best and least expensive places to purchase your launch rods?
Your local steel supplier.

Can get aluminum, stainless, rolled mild steel in all different sizes up to twenty feet long.
I have some 3/16" rolled steel rod in the garage for a different project.

Tri-Flow is better for wiping than WD40. Has teflon in it to leave a coating on the rod that lubricates, just doesn't protect only from water, dual purpose.

Mike

All single piece.

1/8" and 3/16" rods are 48' and the 1/4" is 72"

Local Home Depot sells them. The 1/4" being the most expensive at $9 even with today ridicules inflation.