Threadless, screwless quick disconnect

[mihunai]

I found these nifty little Expanding Diameter Pins at McMasters:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#
(just search)

It pretty much works as a clamp, without the clamp and/or box on top:


The might even be useable as a set-screw...

So, what do you think?

mTm

[pittapittae]

Really interesting, that's something I could use. In my primitive projects (before I knew something like you guys ever exist) I used a tube clamp. It was really easy and quick to put the blade on/off. Much easier than with the screw...
I even thought about sewing a special pocket for the blade in the cap, to hold there the blade and slide it in the hilt unseen should I light it up.

[Matt Thorn]

I'm not entirely sure I understand how they would work in a saber...but look at the prices. What's up with that?

[mihunai]

and the size.... 3" long?

*sigh*

Allright, my bad....

mTm

[Sairon]

Hey it's still a good idea, it seems doable. You just gotta search for cheaper and the right size.

[Lord Maul]

Basically all that thing is is a Graflex clamp lever. The problem with that, is you need at least two slots in the saber that are identical and go both vertical and horizontal. It'd be a VERY tough job.

One thing I've always wanted to try is using a Graflex clamp to connect sabers. I think that it may tear though, due to the added stress of TWO sabers.

[mihunai]

Basically all that thing is is a Graflex clamp lever. The problem with that, is you need at least two slots in the saber that are identical and go both vertical and horizontal. It'd be a VERY tough job.

One thing I've always wanted to try is using a Graflex clamp to connect sabers. I think that it may tear though, due to the added stress of TWO sabers.

why would you need it both vertical and horizontal?
Q-C's using screws only use one screw too....

All it does is prevent one saber from sliding out the other.

As for the Clamp....
Might not be able to take the strain, like you say.
With a single G-Flex, the actuall stress of the blade remains in the top half,
leaving the clamp alone.
with two, you allso have the added force of the longer distance from tip to clamp.

I thought about it too, but the G-Flex clamp was never made to endure such beating, just to connect two light-weight pieces.

You could however use the twisting mechanism with a solid piece (and just add a box for fun) instead of a bendable flimsy little sheet of aluminum...

mTm

[Lord Maul]

You need two because I would never trust that little lever to keep sabers from splitting apart. This is how the G-Flex works. It keeps the halves from twisting, not pulling apart. And even so, you can still twist it if you try. That's why you need both vertical and horizontal slots.

[mihunai]

Another find that might work with a little modifying

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l31s_Aib9U

mTm

[Lord Maul]

I guess that could work, but you would lose a ton of hilt space.

I guess I am confused. What is so bad about having a single 8-32 screw that takes literally one twist to undo hold the sabers together? This setup would be harder to use, not easier. It would be more expensive. It wouldn't have any clear benefits. It's like the people who want to thread a blade so that it screws in. Sure, maybe it could work, but why reinvent the wheel?