giweb - Posted - 07/02/2014:  13:56:03

Does anyone know a replacement source for the short clear vinyl tube on a Vega Pittman Sliding Capo? My very limited .industrial supply sources have 1/16" ID and 1/8" OD as the smallest. Any BHO members connected with electronics or jewelry that might use something like that. If no, I'm going to strip some wiring insulation if I can find some with clear vinyl covering that is soft enough.

I've seen some creativity in this group! Thanks in advance.

"Nothing Worthwhile is Easy!"

"Playing Music is Worthwhile!"

giweb

Fathand - Posted - 07/02/2014:  14:21:17

Strip the Wire. It does not have to be clear.

Dan Drabek - Posted - 07/02/2014:  14:26:19

I know the tube you're talking about. Made of translucent polyethylene. A long shot might be the ink tube from a BIC pen. It's the right kind of plastic, but I believe it might still be too large. Another possibility would be to use a piece of heat-shrink tubing for electrical wiring--but it may only be available in solid colors.

Oh, and another possibility would be the poly tubing they use on "Flipper" rests for archery bows. Check with your local archery dealer, they may sell spares. I know archers lose or wear them out and I think the size might be about right.

DD

Edited by - Dan Drabek on 07/02/2014 14:29:12

Rick Turner - Posted - 07/02/2014:  14:42:07

Heat shrink tubing.

Chappy0168 - Posted - 07/02/2014:  14:48:47

Have you tried Home Depot or Lowes? I know they carry an assortment of clear poly tubing in the plumbing departments. Just a suggestion.

darwinyarwin - Posted - 07/02/2014:  15:38:36

Golden Gate/Saga uses the same sleeve on their 5th String Capo. It isn't on their site but you can order replacements (call their customer service?) I bought a couple from Stew Mac when they discontinued theirs, so they don't have any any more. I agree that stripping the wire insulation works just fine - slides on just right. Alternatively, try hobby stores. they have a lot of tiny ID tubing sizes.

PickaFive - Posted - 07/02/2014:  15:39:23

The answer may be closer at hand than you think. The tube on my WD-40 spray can measures 0.122" outside diameter and 0.041" inside diameter. My older can of WD-40 without the pivoting tube feature has a smaller; 0.090" outside diameter and the same 0.041" inside diameter. The wire diameter on my Vega - Pittman capo is 0.040" so either of the tubes should work fine. You can always heat the cut tubing in hot water to facilitate its sliding on the wire if necessary . I like the looks of the smaller size tubing better. Hope this helps!

Important Note: All measurements were taken using precision tools calibrated to standards traceable to the National Institute of Standards & Technology. So relax, it's good stuff!

mikehalloran - Posted - 07/02/2014:  16:34:21

It works fine with no tubing at all.

I do know someone who used to wear it out and used red heat shrink tubing.

CEParagon124 - Posted - 07/02/2014:  16:52:57

What about fuel line for RC aircraft?

Charlie Noyes

Nick Danger - Posted - 07/02/2014:  16:57:05

Anybody remember these toy airplanes, the ones where you held the battery pack and went around and around in circles while the propeller pulled it through the air?  The hard plastic tubing from the battery pack to the airplane sheathed the rotating cable that turned the propeller.  If you can still find these toys, the tubing might, MIGHT be small enough in diameter to slip snugly over the metal tang of the Pittman capo.  Just a thought.   

giweb - Posted - 07/02/2014:  18:43:48

Once again I am amazed and humbled by the BHO group. Next years tee shirt should show Einstein with a banjo. Thanks once again for all the insight! Mike, it might work w/o and I do lift it to move it . . . but . . . if somebody else picked it up and scratched the rosewood!!??!!
"Nothing Worthwhile is Easy!"
"Playing Music is Worthwhile!"
giweb

CEParagon124 - Posted - 07/02/2014:  21:00:24

Do you know anybody in the medical field?

Numerous sources for very small internal diameter polyvinyl, Tygon or even softer silastic tubing, such as the balloon inflation tubing on Foley catheters or tracheostomy tubes..

I've used that to replace the little cushions on clip on sunglasses.

I could probably get some of that, even though I'm now retired.

Charlie Noyes

Edited by - CEParagon124 on 07/02/2014 21:09:52

giweb - Posted - 07/03/2014:  07:39:35

Charlie,
Welcome to the BHO. Great suggestions! In Charlottesville, I am surrounded with medical centers and med research facilities! I also see more than my share of doctors on a regular basis. Thank you very much.
"Nothing Worthwhile is Easy!"
"Playing Music is Worthwhile!"
giweb