Brass wire

[mudd turtle]

I recently made a vent pick out of a deer tine and need to find strong brass wire to finish my vent pick. I want to use brass or copper wire that is strong enough to use in the vent pick. None of the stores I have gone to have copper or brass wire that is strong enough to use. I want this type of wire instead of steel because I have been told that over time and constant use steel will scratch the inside of my barrel. Would or could someone give me some help finding what I need. Thank you for your time and help. Mudd Turtle.

 

[Black Hand]

Ace Hardware has several thicknesses of brass rod, copper electrical wire should work as well. I use a piece of rebar tie-wire with a loop bent in the end - it is soft, so it should have very little effect. If you are scratching the inside of your barrel, the pick is inserted too far - you only need to insert the tip to clear any blockage of the touchhole. You don't need strength....

 

[Billnpatti]

If there is a hobby shop that sells model airplane and boat building supplies, they will probably have several thicknesses of brass wire available.

 

[hawkeye2]

I use brazing rod to make mine. It's stiff, quite hard. I use a flat file to file a taper on them checking that they will fit and go well through the vent and then add a bend so that I can get it in past the pan and flash guard.

 

[BrownBear]

I use brazing rod to make mine. It's stiff, quite hard. I use a flat file to file a taper on them checking that they will fit and go well through the vent and then add a bend so that I can get it in past the pan and flash guard.

You been reading my memos? :wink:

Zact same thing I do. Beats any wire I've ever found.

 

[MSW]

pictures ... we love pictures!

 

[smo]

I have one I made from one of those tip cleaners made for welders. I just cut the appropriate size wire out of the folding case then glued it into a short section of antler tip.

 

[mudd turtle]

Thanks to all who responded to my request for help and and suggestions . Mudd Turtle.

 

[ZUG]

I use brazing rod to make mine. It's stiff, quite hard. I use a flat file to file a taper on them checking that they will fit and go well through the vent and then add a bend so that I can get it in past the pan and flash guard.

You been reading my memos? :wink:

Zact same thing I do. Beats any wire I've ever found.

YUP -- 1/16" brazing rod -- the best.

 

[eggwelder]

mine is copper, made from 3/16 ish wire. cold forged. it is very hard for copper, caused by cold forging. try hammering a piece of copper wire and you`ll notice that it will get harder to bend as you go.
if you need to work it more, heat it almost red and let it air cool or quench it in water. i`ve not really noticed a difference. this will soften the copper again.
i finished mine by filing the tip to a tiny blunt point.

 

[Elnathan]

I just made mine out of a piece of electrical wire, stripped of its insulation, that I picked up off a construction site years before. Works just fine, soft or no. :idunno:

 

[Black Hand]

To no one in particular:
You are making this far more complicated than it should be. Any wire will do if it fits into the touch hole - it doesn't even need to fit very deeply, especially if the liner/touch hole is coned and the wire is filed to a blunt point.

A feather, paperclip, thorn or toothpick will work as will a piece of brass, copper or steel wire (even coat hanger wire) filed to a point. A pick needs no special handle - a loop bent in the end (making it easier to hold) is all it really requires. It certainly does not need to be hard/stiff.

 

[hawkeye2]

Black Hand, this is true. I once used a safety pin in a rainstorm and it worked fine.

 

[BrownBear]

Yeah. More often than not I get out in the hills without my fancy pick. Usually have a toothpick in my pocket, and I'll use that. If not, I'll sharpen a stiff little twig. Done.

 

[omarick1948]

Soft Copper, Brass or German Silver(Nickel) wire can be tempered/hardened by taping it on a hard surface with a hammer.

 

[LRB]

What you say is true, but sometimes I just like to go first class.

Sterling Silver wire. Roughly 3/32" Square wire, about 3" long.

 

[George]

Don't forget us plebeians. Plain iron. :wink:



Spence

 

[50cal.cliff]

Yep, first class Wick, but wouldn't expect less from you! :thumbsup: :hatsoff:

 

[smo]

I would love to have a nice pick like that...But I know what would happen to it. :shake:

 

[Black Hand]

Another reason to keep them simple and inexpensive. I usually carry a couple of the ones I make from rebar tie wire. I never worry about getting a vent-pick back if I lend it to someone - a single roll is a lifetime supply for 20 or more people...