How do I make some metal squares?!

MarkDavis · 13 Dec 2013 at 23:07

This would have been simple if I was back at school in the metal working class....but how do I find/make these metal squares??

Basically, I need some more of these:

http://tinypic.com/r/30v0h0h/5

What would be the best way of finding / buying / making some with the least amount of faff and hassle at the lowest cost? And what metal would you say that this is? Steel? Iron?

They only really need to be square (the lug would be a bonus but not essential) and measure 3mm x 16mm x 17mm (or 16mm) and weigh 10g, 14g, and 15g.

Over you to you Overclockers crowd....

Raikiri · 13 Dec 2013 at 23:16

What are they for?

I would suggest making a mold of what you need and using lead to make some of your own, my brother used to do it for fishing weights as it was a lot cheaper. But I don't know how strong the end product has to be.

Edit: Lead of that size (3mmx16mmx17mm) would only weigh 9.2g, not sure what you could use.

Steampunk · 13 Dec 2013 at 23:23

What are they from? If they are part of something else, ask the manufacturer for spares. Search on the internet to see if they can be bought from anywhere. If they are (for instance) out of something related to plumbing, find an old fashioned plumbing supply shop and ask them.

If you need to get them made from scratch, find a local engineering/fabricating firm that'll make them. Give them the old ones as patterns, and they'll have the tools to knock up new ones.

delta0 · 14 Dec 2013 at 00:03

Hack saw and sand flat would be simplest method with very basic tools. If they are going into water try aluminium or stainless. Aluminium is very easy to cut and sand as it is soft. It is less dense and so weighs less too. As for the protruding piece you can cut a bar and tap a hole and screw it on, weld or machine from a lathe.