pen tube question

[old folks]

I read somewhere you can buy long brass tubing at the hardware store, cut them to lenght and use them in pen making. What size is correct for slimlines ? Thanks

 

[Gregory Huey]

Well the slim line brass is 7mm but I have never seen it in a hardware store in my area. Most of our regular pen kit supplyers do carry long brass blanks so you can cut your own.

 

[Fred in NC]

I got my 10" long 7mm tubes from Woodturningz. I think they carry 8mm, 10mm, and 3/8" also.

 

[DCBluesman]

While we refer to the tube size for slimlines as 7mm, that is really insufficient and slightly inaccurate information. The OD of the tubes varies from 6.75 to 7mm and the ID is approximately 6.2mm. If the ID is not right, the pressure fit parts will not work without being glued in. If you are looking to by bulk tubes, I'd suggest sticking to our suppliers.

 

[btboone]

I agree Lou. When I started, I was told that they were 7mm, so bought some 7mm drills and was surprised that they were nowhere close. Usually brass tubes are dead on theoretical sizing so I never questioned it. There seems to be no "standard" sizes to them. As long as they work for the pen mechanisms, stick with the ones from the pen suppliers.

 

[KKingery]

I've also not seen any at our local hardware stores - I think the 10" ones from our suppliers would definately be a good bet.

 

[wicook]

I lucked out and found a 3/8" tube at a hobby store that worked fine as a replacement for one I messed up while turning a pen/pencil combo unit from PSI. The OD and ID were the same as the kit.

 

[leehljp]

I just received an order from POC and a long tube pack (7mm for slimline) was one of my orders. Try them also. (POC - Pens Of Color)

 

[jdavis]

John,
Stick with our suppliers. We get 10" tubes from Penn State Industries. Have not seen any at hardware stores in our area.
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