Aluminum tubing

[Ralph Wiggum]

I'm looking for a place that I can get a length of aluminum tubing to make an extension for the handle of a landing net. Any ideas?

[NorthernMN]

Online Metals

Just Google that. It is the first one that comes up. I have ordered many times from then and they are always great.

[Farley]

How long and what diameter?

[Ralph Wiggum]

I was thinking like 8-10 feet long and diameter between 1-1.5 inches. I'd have to measure for a definite diameter.

[CRAPPIEBAIT]

There is a place right off 94,I "think" it's called twin citie steel.I've bought alum there b/4.How about old tent poles ? Just a thought.

[CRAPPIEBAIT]

Try this

Garelick steel co.

1900 north 2nd st mpls

612-521-8857

[Ralph Wiggum]

I think I know of where you're talking about. Is it a big green place on your left as your head East on I-94 on the north side of Minneapolis?

[Dave]

How about just PVC pipe? Probably a lot cheaper, more readily available and I would guess just as strong for that length.

[IFallsRon]

You can probably find something at Fleet or Menards in the electrical section.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I thought of PVC but thought there might be too much flex at that length. Maybe I should check it out, though. The electrical section and Menards is a good idea. Thanks!

[CRAPPIEBAIT]

North side of mpls,yes you are right.As for electric (conduit) at menards and such,I do not advise it as this is really soft metal.Yes,softer that aluminum.I work in a sheet metal shop & have a lot of stuff available,where about you live ?

[Ralph Wiggum]

Alright, after some measuring, the handle on it now is octagonal aluminum that is 1 1/8 inch from outside wall to outside wall, but I could modify anything that would fit reasonably.

I live not far from the Brooklyn Boulevard exit off of I-94.

[cheesehead]

How about using an extendable push pole. I've seen them @ FleetFarm by the oars. They're hexagonal and extend from about 7' to 12'

[Fisher Dave]

Them push poles would be great, but I think they are up around 2" diameter.

I have used the heavy steel electrical pvc before.. that stuff is way too heavy. The plastic stuff has worked in the past, but it scares me because of cracks... one and its gone for what you are wanting to use it for.

Check out the local yellow pages, I will take a look myself if I can find an extra few minutes in the next day or 2. If you want an extending pole, the buttons can be obtained at harware stores.

[Bullheadmaster]

bring it by ol hanks ace hardware he will help you out trust me that old mohter can fix anythng and help you with anyhting

[luckyc]

Thinking of your question while working in the garage and bumped my head on the roof rake. Da! Ya that would make a good extension for your net.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Yes it would, but I don't happen to have an old roof rake hanging around:)

[jhemi]

How about electrical conduit. about $5 for ten feet.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I looked at it, but it's way too heavy. I want something managable.

[MrSenarighi]

Try doubling up the PVC, one inside the other.

[Phred52]

Ralph, Do you have an airplane repair facility nearby? I use a 22' length of 1 1/8" aircraft tubing as a pushpole to get my 24' pontoon beyond the wild rice before I start the o/b. It is steel, but in 11 years, it hasn't rusted except for a little surface rust. Sometimes, I really bear down on this tubing to both propel and turn the pontoon and it doesn't bend, and I weigh in at 250#! It'll bow but springs right back. A 22' length weighs about 3.5#. Fill the tube with foam, and you'll have a net you just can't lose!

[Ralph Wiggum]

Good idea. How much did that run you?

[woodyjdh]

I can help you out. The problem is how?! No contact info. allowed, but I do have some leftover aluminum in my garage. I made myself a very nice lightweight roof rake a couple of years ago (only had to use it once!), 24 foot long, in 3 sections.

[Phred52]

Ralph, Actually, I was on a very different mission in the local salvage yard one day and noticed a couple of lengths on the rack. When I needed the pushpole, I thought about the lengths I'd seen there. I bought 2 for a few $. You can't believe how strong this stuff is. I'm sorry to say, the salvage yard has long since closed. Someone mentioned Garelick Steel in Mpls, I know the guy I dealt with went up there quite often. Maybe??? Phred52

[Phred52]

Ralph, Do you know any of the Chase boys?? They played ball with one of the former TWINS from that area. They're probably a few years+ older. I MAY be able to help you out with a 6 1/2' length but that'll be about the best I could do. You would need to drive. Phred52

[Ralph Wiggum]

Phred52,

I actually a recent transplant to the area. I grew up in Sartell. Thanks for the offer, but I think I've got a good lead that I'm going to check out tonight. I'll let everyone know what I find.