Making throwing spikes

G

GYMBOOEE

Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
207
I would like to make some throwing spikes out of rebar, and want to know the easiest and cheapest methods. Cutting rebar with a hacksaw is too exhausting -- would bolt cutters work? When it comes sharpening the points, I don't want to spend a fortune on a grinding wheel -- would metal drill bits work?
 
How much money can you spend?
Unless you like using a file a lot you need some power tools
Sorry
Knifesmith
 
If you can find a friend with a bench grinder or a friendly machine shop you should be able to make them fairly easy. A chop saw would do the trick of cutting them to size in no time flat and a little time on the bench grinder and your in business. If you do not have access to any of these tools you have to get out and ask someone to help you.

Bobby
 
I wouldn't mind hearing a little more about the pro's and con's of spike throwing. Maybe that will also help me decide which way to go.

Having never thrown spikes before, I wanted to hold off on a big investment in this art if it is just a passing fancy for most. In other words, my alternative is to invest in some nice 12-14" traditional throwers instead of power tools to make spikes.

What does sound attractive to me about spikes are that if you mess them up, or lose one out in the woods, you just make more.

By the way, I currently use a bunch of Hibben throwers. That should tell you plenty about my experience. I'm not looking to throw competitively right now, just want "the most bang for the buck".

THANKS!
 
One great source of economical spikes I've found is the good ole' 20D spike, available at Home Depot in boxes of 1000, for around $45. With a small amount of work (about 30 seconds' worth on my belt grinder, YMMV with a file) I can have them ready to throw. Takes a bit of practice to get the rotation right, but I can stick 95% at about 10-15', now.

The extremely upside to these is the butt-cheapness. If you have a friend over, and he likes them, give him a set of ten! If you lose one, who cares? Just find it before you mow! Bent a tip? Re-grind it, or discard it altogether!

I generally leave the heads on them, and just true them up to act as stabilizers and to make them easy to remove from my target, but you can cut them easily off with a hacksaw. I'll try to get some pics and throw them up, if you'd like...

:D

Kal
 
My thanks to everyone here who gave me some feedback on this topic. Additional comments are still welcome. The more the merrier!
 
20d Spikes are about 6" long, by perhaps 3/16" in diameter. They're quite light, which is why you have to grind a much steeper angle on the head, but once you find a good angle, they stick as well as much heavier spikes.

And for the sheer mass quantity factor, you cain't beat 'em!!

Kal
 
Thanks Kalindras.

I might go down to my local B&Q and see what their largest nails look like. I should think they'll sell small packs also, which'd be good for experimenting on the right sizes/throwing techniques :)
 
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