Music wire ?

I found some 3/32 music wire real cheap. I've heard this can be used as a backspring for a lockback. Does it need hardened or do I use it as is? It seems pretty stiff already.

------------------
Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
GARY B

GARY B

Joined
Apr 17, 1999
Messages
170
Matt,

Music wire is 1095 steel that is already heat treated to a spring temper. Iwould recommend cutting it with a cutoff wheel. You can cut it with a hack saw, but you won't like what it does to the blade.

Gary B
 
Thanks Gary,
I was hoping I would be able to use it. I found it in 3ft pieces for a little less than a dollar and thought it was worth getting.I'll be sure and use a cut off wheel too.

------------------
Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
I made some mosaic pins one time with music wire in the center, uh, it does rust.
Nothing but stainless now.

I suppose depending on the application of it depends on whether you would want to use it or not.

C Wilkins
 
Thanks guys.
I'm going to use it as a backspring for lockbacks. I'll try putting a couple coats of rustoleum on them before I put them in. I'll be sure and keep the knife oiled and clean so it doesn't rust where the paint rubs off.

------------------
Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
Man, I musta got some bad stuff then! I tried it for a lockbar spring and it sure didn't. Bout all it did was push a little till it bent. Whats the deal?? Is there a certain kind of piano wire that works best?? Thanks and take care!! Michael

------------------
"Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"

 
why don't you guys use gun blue on it. i just bought a pack, can't wait to use it on an m-2 knife.
 
wow, brain fart here!! Just coat it with Gunkote. it won't rust with that stuff on it.

------------------
"Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"

 
Magnum,
Gun blue is a good idea. I may try it too. Right now I have a couple of cans of rustoleum left over to get rid of. We bought about 6 cans for a quarter a piece to mark post holes.They were so cheap because it was the crap colors nobody wanted.The problem is we didn't use it all and there colors I don't want either.

------------------
Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
i'd go with gun blue over rustoleum, it's more sratch resistant. still gets scratched easily though.


[This message has been edited by magnum .44 (edited 29 December 1999).]
 
I don't know about the alloy, but I believe music wire is hardened by mechanical processing. It is cold-drawn which orients the grain structure parallel to the axis of the wire and builds up lattice dislocations in the material which increases the tensile strength. It makes very good springs as is. You defeat the purpose of it if you heat treat it. I once made a miniature cross-bow out of 1/4" piano wire.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top