DIY stalking sticks & washers

[muddy42]

The bolt on my double stalking sticks broke so i am replacing it. I’ve found the perfect part-threaded 7mm wide bolt and lock nut online. I have also found flat 1.6mm wide washers to use as spacers in the middle.

Does anyone know where i can source washers that are flat on one side and curved on the other to fit snug against the sticks? Picture attached. I think this will give the tightest fit and ultimately accuracy potential.

This may also improve the fit of my other stick setup - DIY B&Q garden cane sticks.

Thanks in advance

 

[Neilmetters1966]

You could buy some delrin rod off eBay and make some spacers it's basically a hard plastic you can buy it in different widths hope this helps

 

[Mike L]

BPF - Item not found

www.bpfonline.co.uk

 

[AN DU RU FOX]

just seen post above

 

[Neilmetters1966]

Mike L tests better than making them lol I'll remember that

 

[Andy-shooter]

I’ve made these before for myself and lee6.5 off here.

As recommended above Delrin rod is good as is a glass reinforced nylon. I do use a lathe and milking machine but it would be totally possible with hand tools.

If you get really stuck I’ll knock you up a few to whatever dimensions you need.

Andy

 

[muddy42]

Yet again this thread shows how useful the SD community can be. I spent hours on google without finding the two brilliant solutions above.

Neilmetters1966 / Andy-shooter - thanks, the delrin rod sounds ideal. I am keen to have a go with hand tools - saw, centrepunch, power drill, files and sandpaper. I am planning some kind of sacrificial wooden jig which allows me to centre the curved section.

Mike L - Thanks. This is a good fallback, but I am keen to try and get the hole and the curve diameters spot on to match the steel bolt and sticks respectively. i feel this will reduce play and maximise the chance of accuracy.

 

[Cottis]

Try a piece of paracord and a prusik knot. No point in over complicating things. The prusik is the perfect knot for this applicaton. It allows movement up or down of the knot so the sticks can be deployed at whatever height you choose yet when you even slightly open the sticks, the knot tightens and refuses to let the cord budge holding everything in place.

It encourages the sticks to come together but provides just enough of an obstacle so they do not clank together.

I use this on twin sticks for foxing at night where a single stick is not enough for the weighty and cumbersome NV rifle with all the torch and gubbins etc aboard. I just duck tape 3mm neoprene around the top of the sticks to provide a bit of protection for my rifle stock and to keep it silent and secure when shooting.

 

[RWShooting]

Instead using bolts I use Martingale Stoppers for horses, just slide down about foot or so from top the poles. Then when you separate them your rifle sits on the rubber stops making it comfortable and wont damage your rifle either. Also use Horse Rain stops on the bottom the poles to stop them banging against each other for stealth. Only couple quid for each online. Goodluck

 

[mereside]

just machine a full insert much nicer and works a treat i will post pics later

 

[muddy42]

Sorry, ive tried bungee cord, elastic and para cord before - not firm or predictable enough. I’ll post pics of the bolt when done.

 

[spandit]

Sounds like something you could 3D print...

 

[spandit]

...which is why I've modelled and started printing a set, custom made to fit my sticks

 

[Cottis]

Sorry, ive tried bungee cord, elastic and para cord before - not firm or predictable enough. I’ll post pics of the bolt when done.

If i remember later, I will put a picture up. Tied properly the prusik will work. It doesn't slip, is firm and fully predictable and way more versatile. When it finally gives up (and mine first one is still going years later) you simply reach for another yard length of cord and go again.

 

[mereside]

here's what i do, regards

 

[Neilmetters1966]

If i remember later, I will put a picture up. Tied properly the prusik will work. It doesn't slip, is firm and fully predictable and way more versatile. When it finally gives up (and mine first one is still going years later) you simply reach for another yard length of cord and go again.

I made a set with the same knot it was spot on and fully adjustable I thought it was called a person knot lol I got idea off YouTube worked a treat with 2 b&q garden poles

 

[muddy42]

Photo now attached. The hole was 7mm so i bought a 7mm part threaded bolt. Lock nut and 7mm black washers finished off the job. I decided that delrin was unecessary. I may add some dabs of paint. No play in any direction and rock solid!

 

[spandit]

Here's the washers I printed with some dowel bolts from Screwfux which turned out to be the perfect size:

 

[big ears]

If i remember later, I will put a picture up. Tied properly the prusik will work. It doesn't slip, is firm and fully predictable and way more versatile. When it finally gives up (and mine first one is still going years later) you simply reach for another yard length of cord and go again.

Would love a picture as you have me interested. Can see how to tie the knot but how do you attach the other stick?

 

[Cottis]

Would love a picture as you have me interested. Can see how to tie the knot but how do you attach the other stick?

Aha, thanks for the reminder. I had forgotten about this and mine needed a little clean up, so I just quickly refreshed them and re-tied the prusik. Hillbilly but functional. Hopefully you get the gist.

Knot wise, you are looking to tie it in a way whereby you can only just move the knots up and down the sticks when they are closed but when opened, and especially with any weight bearing down on the "V", the friction knot will tighten and prohibit any knot movement at all.

Quickly found this video which is poor but illustrates what you are looking for.