cutting nuts

[jagman62]

just wondering how you fellers cut hexagonal rod to make nuts and get them all to one size.Is there a knack to doing this as I seem to make them all different lengths when cutting the rod.

[tanks_for_the_memory]

Sounds a pain...

Why not save yourself the bother and pick up some of the Meng Nuts and Bolts sets:

http://www.meng-model.com/index2_new.php?id=212

Although nominally for 1/35 they have many different sizes and will suit most 1/16 applications.

They are also extremely good value - you just cut them off the sheet with a nice sharp blade...

[blimp]

What size do you need ? Plastruct and Evergreen do hex section rod ( styrene ).
I like these myself ( resin ) http://www.manmodels.co.uk/masterclub-r ... s-63-c.asp
http://www.grandtline.com/products/mrr/ ... ables.html
( metal ) http://www.scalehardware.com/miniature-hex-bolts-c-1
http://www.prime-miniatures.co.uk/
and a link to few more http://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php?topic=628.0

[tanks_for_the_memory]

Blimp is quite right to recommend Masterclub bolts which I have used extensively on my Tiger.

The real beauty (apart from their exquisite casting) is the fact that each set calls out the precise drill bit required to make the fixing hole - then they just slide into place...

[Swamprat33]

you could always upgrade to a 1/6 tank so that you can use real nuts & bolts

[jagman62]

Blimp thanks for all the tips ,those masterclub bolts look the business think I will have to order some.tanks what size did you use.
swamprat wish I could afford to go 1/6 ,I can sneak an extra 1/16 occasionlly in but I think HWMBO would notice a huge tank sitting in the conservatory

[jarndice]

Since the earliest days of my adventure into 1/16 Armour I have tried to use engineering to resolve the vagaries of a build, to me Glue is a cop out, If you need small scale fixtures and fittings my two primary sources are --
www.prime-miniatures.co.uk
and--
www.modelfixings.co.uk
The other item I bought to allow me to use nuts and bolts was a "ROLSON" Tap & Die set from "AMAZON",
This allows me the ability to put a thread in or on items that would otherwise need glue,
Glue is fine if you intend that to be a permanent fix but if at sometime in the future it fails how do you get it apart?
Model engineering is a hobby in itself but just using it to build 1/16 Armour is extremely rewarding and no more expensive than endless tubes of Supa - Glue and the obligatory Zap 7 De-Bonder !! And it is a priceless ability when the inevitable failure occurs.
Shaun.