Where can I find 'spring steel' in narrow strips?

[DR4296]

Thanks to all who posted! For experimental purposes, I located and bought a "sink cleaner"... a sort of "plumber's fish tape" for cleaning drains... for just over $6 from Lowe's. It's thicker and narrower than I would like (1/4" width) but it was enough for me to do some quick testing during my breaks at work....which is what I wanted -- the ability to make a little progress each day, even when I have to work 12 hours.

I am going to be hunting for that throwaway steel banding, however. I think it may be a bit more flexible than this current material.

Thanks again!

-= Dave =-

 

[doug9694]

I have found the the tines from an old leaf rake work very well as springy material.

 

[Blaxmyth]

Just a suggestion - what about bike gear cables? Either bicycle for thinner ones or motorbikes for heavy duty. They bend in all directions and tend to want to straighten out when tension is released.

 

[laellee]

Another option, and bear with me people, is piano wire. Not the generic thin-guage rolled stuff at the craft store, I'm talking about the actual wire used to string pianos. The guaging ranges from a very fine single strand extruded wire, all the way up to thick strands with a spiraled outer layer. I'd guess it goes from 1/32" diameter all the way up to nearly 1/4", the lengths get to nearly 3 feet:



Yes, they are not the easiest to just go 'pick up' at a store... I got my supply from a couple of junked pianos, and have been using those for a couple of years now. Anyways, piano tuners can also get you old strings as well. If you don't find any other alternatives to work that are long enough, PM me and I can send you a few. :thumbsup

 

[charades]

Also coming from corsetry, there's spring steel that's used for boning, and hoop steel, which is a bit heavier and used for making bustles and hoop skirts.

 

[DKCL]

What you need is the metal banding from a pallet. They are indeed "spring steel" regardless of what people try to feed you. I use them under material (sewn between layers) where the media must spring back to form when crushed. They're usually free and easy to find.
I hope that helps.