Hehehe - scored some wiper blade inserts!

by **wraith** » 18 Nov 2005 0:36

I have a friend that works at a local auto parts store. About a week ago we were talking about some of the tools I use, and how I made most of my tools. I told him I had seen where you could use the inserts for wiper blades to make picks and tension tools.

Well tonight I needed a part for my truck and he smiled, went in the back and brought out about 2 dozen of the inserts - SCORE!!! They change wiper blades at an alarming rate (I guess it's THAT time of the year), and he's been saving 'em for me.

These things are about the same thickness, but some a a little taller, and some are shorter, all are about 20-something inches long. Looks like tomorrow i'll be making a few new tools - maybe some raimundo bogata picks?

So, to share in my good fortune, if someone needs a few of these, i'd be happy to share them. Maybe send a SASE? I'm going to have to cut them down, but let me know what ya need, and i'm sure we can figure it out.

Trey

by **digital_blue** » 18 Nov 2005 0:39

If you've got some to spare, you could put me down for a couple. Just send me your contact info and I'll send along a SASE.

Thanks!

db

by **wraith** » 18 Nov 2005 1:08

DB, PM sent.

I measured the blade inserts, and they're between 20"-21" long, so I was thinking about cutting them down to about 6"-7", so I could get a few out of each blade insert, and so they'll fit into an envelope ;-)

So, first come first serve.

Trey

by **TOWCH** » 18 Nov 2005 3:41

How wide are they? The single strip ones are nice and fat, but I haven't found much use for the thin doubled up ones.

by **wraith** » 18 Nov 2005 9:57

TOWCH wrote:How wide are they? The single strip ones are nice and fat, but I haven't found much use for the thin doubled up ones.

These are the single strips and are a little over 1mm-4mm tall...

Trey

by **Mad Mick** » 18 Nov 2005 21:02

Length aside, there are quite a few types that I have found, each having differences in cross-section (lemme get my calipers)...
Depth X Width: (in MM)
0.7 X 2.5
0.7 X 2.75
0.8 X 2.45
0.8 X 2.5
0.8 X 2.55
0.85 X 2.45
0.9 X 2.45
0.9 X 2.5

There may be others, but that's what I have found so far...

by **Gordon Airporte** » 18 Nov 2005 21:45

I've only used two kinds. (Changing metrics on y'all) The .09"x.025" kind I like for tension wrenches - doesn't need any shaping and it's worked to some extent on most locks I've tried it on. I got a good Bogota wrake out of the wider .125x.025" kind. It could fit a short hook too, or a deep hook with some bending.

by **n2oah** » 19 Nov 2005 0:58

I'd like some wiper inserts, if you have any available.

by **freakshow** » 19 Nov 2005 1:00

Me too:P

by **wraith** » 19 Nov 2005 17:48

Last night I received several requests for blades. Not a problem, so i'm diving them accordingly. I'll put 4 total in each envelope - 2 thin, 2 tall, they're cut to 6.5" (which should be plenty of legnth to use)

I also received questions about how much postage to put on the SASE. In the US, a standard PADDED envelope with First Class postage will be fine. If you've already mailed a non-padded envelope, i'll figure something out to pad it a little.

Trey

by **devildog** » 19 Nov 2005 18:53

Let him know that the next item on your list is a borescope

by **Buggs41** » 19 Nov 2005 19:46

Could someone with a digital camera take a photo of what part of a wiper blade you are talking about? For the life of me, I can't envision any part of a wiper blade being used for any thing other than, wiping. :?:

Buggs

by **digital_blue** » 20 Nov 2005 2:17

Buggs41 wrote:Could someone with a digital camera take a photo of what part of a wiper blade you are talking about? For the life of me, I can't envision any part of a wiper blade being used for any thing other than, wiping.

Buggs

Buggs, I'd bet your confusion is coming from the fact that many wiper blades today no longer use metal inserts to provide their rigidity.

If you get blades that have the metal inserts, you'll figure it out pretty quick because the insert runs the whole length of the blade behind the rubber blade itself providing support to the flimsy rubber.

Hope this clears it up. If you're still confused, say so and I'll get the camera out and get some nice shots.

db

by **Mad Mick** » 20 Nov 2005 11:26

Buggs: Look at the image here.
You will see the skeleton frame, to which the rubber blade is attached. At the bottom of the skeleton frame legs, you will see some clamps. These clamps hold the rubber blade in place due to two stainless steel strips, which run along almost the entire length of the rubber.

You can just about make out the strips here. Look at the image where the rubber wiping blade is being pulled away.

I can't view the images on the USPTO site, but this link may help.

by **Buggs41** » 20 Nov 2005 11:37

OK, Thanks DB and Mad Mick. I didn't realize there was stainless steel strip within the rubber wiper. Makes sense. The rubber is too flimsy to do the job on it's own. :shock:

I had thought you guys were using something from the 'arm' of the blade. And could not figure out what part would work for tool making. :oops:

Buggs

Hehehe - scored some wiper blade inserts!

Hehehe - scored some wiper blade inserts!

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