Plug Spinner Troubles

[icor1031]

I tried to build this,
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=43143&p=324735&hilit=mouse#p324735

But there's a problem,




It's too big..

Also, my 1/4" wooden dowel looks too big, also.

What should I be using?

[deception]

Well, I'm assuming your using the 3/8 inch steel rod, so maybe the mouse trap spring isn't the right one? Maybe try and find a rat trap?

If your unsure of the size of the steel rod, you can use a caliper to measure the diameter, and then determine if your steel rod is wrong or the mouse trap spring is wrong.

[icor1031]

It is a 3/8" steel rod. I'm pretty sure looking at his rod that this is incorrect. I don't know the correct size to get.

[Fisher711]

icor1031,

The OP is incorrect the rod size should have been listed at 1/8" (.125).

Sorry about that... If you have any other problems let me know and I will help you out.

Mike

[icor1031]

Thanks.

[icor1031]

Fisher,

What are my other options?

I tried twice with the 1/8". The first time I drilled it slightly more to one side and obviously, that didn't work.

The second time it was pretty straight, but it broke on one side while I was putting the mouse trap wire through the hole.

It's a 1/16" bit. My next smallest is too small, 3/64".

[Fisher711]

icor1031,

Sorry to here you are having such a hard time getting you plugspinner built. You could try pounding out the rod a little to make it slightly flat so you have more metal on the sides (only flatten a small area where you drill the hole). Also you might want to heat this section before flattening it. This was mentioned by a member in the original thread. If you look at the picture in the OP of my hole, you can see it is off center as well. I have been using that plugspinner for several years. Also try a center punch prior to drilling to get the drill bit centered, and short chuck your drill bit to stop the bit from drifting. Also if your drill bit is to small you might have to oblong/ream the hole so the spring tag will go through.

Good luck, let me know how it works out.

Mike

[icor1031]

Okay, I managed to build it.

Still having troubles, though.

Any advice? (My video.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDipzJZZGTU

[icor1031]

If you wanted to see the spinner,



But as to not detract: Any idea why it didn't work on my lock?

[Fisher711]

icor1031,

First, glad you got it built and it looks great. I see two things that I would address; First shorten the handle a little bit, about 1” in total length. Second wind-up the plugspinner first, and then insert it into the lock. You should get at least one full rotation before putting it into the lock. It takes some practice to get it down. When you let go of the handle you need to make it a quick fluid motion so the handle doesn’t hit your fingers (its kind of a snapping motion). I will try to post a video later showing what I mean, also you can go the link in the OP and see a short video of mine in use.

Mike

[Fisher711]

When I say shorten the handle, I mean the handle on the metal rod, not the wooden handle.

Mike

[Fisher711]

icor1031,

Sorry just haven't had time to post a new video, have you gotten things worked out with your plugspinner?

Mike