Tube Insertion Tool

[Wheaties]

I'm sure I'm not the first, but FYI:

I accidentally discovered that the caps to Manny's (Monty here on the forum) 2oz CA work PERFECTLY for a pen tube insertion tool. Any size. I've seen them at CS-USA, but never could spend the money for them. My screw driver works fine, but Manny's caps work even better.

 

[woodboys]

Nice tip but I found A pencil works great and if you get too much glue on it just sharpen it again.

 

[esears]

I use cut-off antler tips. Works great for me and easy to clean.

 

[Greg O'Sherwood]

I turned a piece of Delrin to a long taper. Works great and CA won't stick to it.

.

 

[wb7whi]

I just turn down a blank between centers. Also easy to replace if need be.

 

[Wheaties]

I just turn down a blank between centers. Also easy to replace if need be.

Huh?

 

[GaryMadore]

Huh?

My take on it is that he turns a tapered wooden stick to use as an insertion tool.

Me? I use anything handy and that fits - some of them thar tubes is pretty big. The caps of CA bottles are favourites.

Cheers!

Gary

 

[TellicoTurning]

I've always use a pair of needle nose pliers... I can lightly grip the edge of the tube, twist it as I insert and then push the final few millimeters with the ends... works on all sizes.

 

[Jim Smith]

I use the handle/shaft from an old soup ladle that I picked up at Goodwill for 55 cents. I actually used the ladle portion for something else and the handle was there when I was gluing up some tubes. I have two of them now in different sizes for the larger tubes. These handles are also great for holding tubes when I want to spray paint them. If I get any glue on them and it dries, I simply take a razor knife and it scraps right off.

Jim Smith

 

[ldb2000]

I use my fingers :biggrin:

 

[Rollerbob]

I use my fingers :biggrin:

You too!! Thought I started something!!:biggrin:

 

[Crashmph]

I use my old MT1 mandrels for insertion tools for the larger tubes.

I used to have a Shop Fox super mini lathe that was an MT1. I upgraded to a MT2 Rikon midi lathe and I had three extra MT1 mandrels. The work great after I turned handles for them. I did have to weight the handle to offset the heavy tip though.

 

[Rick_G]

I use cut-off antler tips. Works great for me and easy to clean.

I use them to make key rings. For insertion tools since I use 5 minute epoxy 90% of the time I use my fingers until the last 1/4 inch and then I have a piece of stainless steel drill rod I just push the tube in with.