Source/suggestions for pre-hardened tubing/pipe

[Hellbender]

I have a need for some tubing/pipe that is already pre-hardened (cannot be easily cut with a "normal", not abrasive, hacksaw, something a lowlife thief would carry), in a size of approx. 7/16" to 1/2" ID x 1/8" to 3/16" wall thickness x 12" long (I can cut to length).

This will be used for a spacer and to shield from easy attack some grade5 3/8" bolts in a project I am designing.

BUT, I will have to supply an abrasive hacksaw blade in the kit for the end user to be able to cut these spacers to length (2 cuts only).

Looking for suggestions on the tubing and recco's on the hacksaw blade to cut the 2 cuts (cheapest way to solve the problem).

Thanks for any help.

HB

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NRA Lifetime Member

[This message has been edited by Hellbender (edited 11-26-2002).]

[SGW]

You might try a piece of 304 stainless tubing and see if that's difficult enough to cut to meet your requirements. It's not hardened, but it has a great tendency to work harden and cuts with difficulty.

[Thrud]

HB
Well, you could include a structured Carbide tooth hacksaw blade. And then try to find some 13V-11Cr-3Al Titainium (about the same machinability as Full hard tool steel). Getting something prehardened might be difficult.

Do a search on www.thomasregister.com for "hardened tubing"

You could case harden a batch of steel tubes or go with 4130 hardened & double tempered - this is often done with parts that need good wear resistance but able to take massive abuse (air hammer chisels).

[Hellbender]

SGW--I'll see if I can find a piece locally and try it, it may fill the ticket.

Thrud--That is the type of blade I was planning on (it's the one w/ the grainy looking stuff on it, right?), also maybe one of the round ones they sell to cut glass, tile, etc. On the tubing, I've talked to all the local steel shops and called a few from the TR. I forgot to mention the budgeted amount is 47.2538 cents (including the blade)

Thanks guys,

HB

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NRA Lifetime Member

[This message has been edited by Hellbender (edited 11-27-2002).]

[Thrud]

Hellbender:
Maybe you should consider my sister's meatloaf - but it would be nearly impossible to cut...

[Hellbender]

Thrud--Could she make it in little cylinders a foot long?

[Thrud]

Hellbender:
I can get you a date - if you are brave enough. I bet she has a better moustache than you...

Trust me, date Rodney Dangerfield instead - much cuter.:P