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Need a thin washer

Farmer

Farmer

Diamond Member
This isn't really highly technical, but this was the most appropriate forum.

I need a washer/shim/spacer that is either metal or hard plastic. I've considered making them myself in the waterjet but I don't want to spend $20 on stock and $10 on waterjet time just to make 1 shim.

The outer diameter must be 1-3/8". The inner diameter must be 1-1/4". The thickness should be around 1mm but I am flexible there. There is literally nothing else special about this part.

The problem is I haven't anywhere that sells a shim where the difference between the inner and outer diameter is only 1/8". I've checked McMaster, MSC, Grainger, nothing.

This will not be a load bearing part, I only need this as a spacer/shim.
 
I would try using a retaining ring... What tolerances on the OD, ID, and thickness, and can you stack multiple pieces?

Barring that, you can get some plastic shim stock (make sure the type of plastic matches up with usage and environment) and get a cheap hand punch to stamp out the size you need.
 
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Thanks for the responses. The closest thing I've found is a PTFE O-ring of 1/8" width, circular profile. The circular profile isn't ideal but what the hell, worth a shot.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#o-rings/=c2x4kl

The issue is, this part should not be flexible, or should have bulk modulus comparable with aluminum or hard plastic.

Does anyone have experience with PTFE o-rings? The "Durometer" scale says they are about as hard as "shopping cart wheels." I don't know hard those are!
 
What about grinding down a washer with the correct inside diameter? You mount it on a bolt and hold it in place with a nut. Then, you put the bolt in the chuck of a drill and grind down the outside diameter to the size you want.
 
What got me there was searching for a banjo bolt gasket. They do make them in aluminum so you could try searching for those.
 
MagnusTheBrewer said:
What about grinding down a washer with the correct inside diameter? You mount it on a bolt and hold it in place with a nut. Then, you put the bolt in the chuck of a drill and grind down the outside diameter to the size you want.
Click to expand...

I was thinking of that but wouldn't you need an a chuck that would take 1.250? It might get out of center if you use a smaller bolt and washers to pinch the part
 
MagnusTheBrewer said:
What about grinding down a washer with the correct inside diameter? You mount it on a bolt and hold it in place with a nut. Then, you put the bolt in the chuck of a drill and grind down the outside diameter to the size you want.
Click to expand...

I had a similar idea about building a vice/rig for hold a washer fixed for the lathe, but thought it was too much effort.
 
Farmer said:
I had a similar idea about building a vice/rig for hold a washer fixed for the lathe, but thought it was too much effort.
Click to expand...

Never give up! 🙂 There's always some way to make a tool to make a tool. My grandfather kept his tractor and thresher running through the great depression when there weren't any parts even if you could afford them and no fuel to run them. He made the parts he needed and distilled his own corn to run them.
 
Farmer said:
Wow, good searching. Didn't see that one. I'll keep it in mind, but I do know copper at those thickness is very pliable/plastic.
Click to expand...
Ring width of 1/8" likely means that the OD will be 2*(1/8) more than the ID, i.e. 1.5".

PTFE tends to run fairly stiff; it is almost impossible to deflect by pinching and does not easily deform with fingernail pressure.
 
No dimension is critical, the required roundness is not anything particular, the tolerance is not required to be particularly fine.

I have found a solution to this. I purchased some 4" of scrap/leftover mild steel tubing online for a few bucks. It is round. The ID is 1.25" (perfect). The OD is 1.75", but the tubing has significant length (4") and hence can be turned down. I can also cut off at whatever length I desire.

Thanks for all help and ideas. I don't know why I didn't think of this earlier.
 
I would have suggested (based on my experience with making chainmail) using 1/8" wire and a 1-3/8" mandrel to make a coil, then clip them to make rings. This would give you a split ring, alternatively, I think you can buy solid rings with those specs at www.theringlord.com
 
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