Plastic tubing is very useful

[nographite]

I've found several uses for plastic tubing: As a plug follower, handles for files and picks, storage for your favorite fine files.

If you can't get the exact OD for a follower, one slightly larger will do if you carefully slice it lengthwise, then roll to overlap, or take off whatever is necessary from the diameter after splitting - it will still hold shape.

I heat mine in VERY hot water, then find something straight that will accommodate the ID (wood dowels will do), then let it cool. Sometimes it may take two treatments.

When making a storage tube for round and Pippin files, determine the length of tube needed, add a 1/4", then put a flame to one end for a few seconds. Squeeze the melted end together either with your fingers or a pair of vice grips. Works for me, and you can see what's stored inside also. The followers also let you see the presence of top pins . Try it, have fun - it's cheap and makes for a lighter and quieter toolbox. Kathleen

[raimundo]

I use wine bottle corks as file handles, short, but the way I hold the file it works to keep the tang from stabbing me

[jason]

I'll have to start drinking wine now! - I've still got the hangover from making beercan shims!

[I Pik U]

Great tips, thanks!

[Shrub]

Good second post there, welcome to the site and plese dont feel offended by some of the humour on here,

Theres not many females on site but im sure you will have fun,

If you want a flat bottom on your tube end once melted you can put some dowl down the middle and press it on to a flat surface after youve squeezed it together,

[Stinger]

That's funny I've used bottle corks for some time too. Will try the plastictube thing soon. Could use some new followers.

[New-York-Locksmith]

i guess it's goodbye to all these corks now - cant say id miss'em

[raimundo]

Hey Kathleen, thats some good tips on the file sheaths, and I totally feel the same about graphite, to me that is a throwback to the days of the lever tumbler lock, have you noticed that they are all full of graphite when you open them.

[Rome]

Along the same lines, I have several file and chisel handles mades from concentric layers of tubing. I'm not sure of the exact sizes (they've been in place for years), but I started with something like 1/4" ID fuel line, inside of 1/2" automotive heater hose, inside of 3/4" heater hose. Whatever you use, check to see that they fit tightly. Use tubing pieces an inch or 2 longer than you want the finished handle to be. It helps if the smaller hose is put in the freezer for 15 minutes, and the outer hose is heated in hot water. When you take the hose out of the freezer, slide it onto a loose-fitting screwdriverspray it with cheap mega-hold hair spray (an old bicycle mechanic's trick for installing handgrips on handlebars). Slide the tubing together quickly, taking care not to pierce your hand with the screwdriver. Any shaft will work; it's just there to keep the tubing straight while the hair spray sets. Try to face the natural curve of each layer of tubing in different directions, unless you want a curved handle.
I put a short carriage bolt in the end of a couple of these, and use them as chisel handles. Not the best for mortising a hardwood door, but they work well on soft woods and plastic. Black rubber tubing is surprisingly stiff along its length.

[martin12]

In Response To Rome's Post

Good work and Good Information -
plz send images to explain it more... it might be more interesting with images.

[What]

Dude, the thread is almost a year old.......

[Eyes_Only]

But probably better to resurrect an old thread and add to it than starting up a new one about the same thing and cluttering up the forums.

[What]

Yes but asking for a member who hasnt posted since September 18th 2006 for pictures seems kinda pointless.

[Eyes_Only]

Good point. I guess a PM would be more effective in such a case.

[kg4boj]

Plastic tubing is also useful when working inside automotive door cavities with the inner panels off, slit the tubing down the side and run it around the inside of the holes that you must reach through to prevent cut arms when pulling stubborn retainer clips, lockrods etc.