Where to buy random parts for mods?

[ja10]

I looked around online, and figured I'd see if you guys had any solutions for me. I've got a SF L1 that has a McGizmo Seoul reflector in it, and I just got my 22.8mm UCL lens today. The lens is about 1mm thinner than stock, and so when I tighten the head down, there is the slightest amount of movement. What I need is a washer with a 23mm outside diameter and 22mm inside diameter that is about 1mm thick to put in front of the lens to make it a snug fit.

Is there a source online for random miscellaneous parts like that? I needed one washer that I happened to find in a faucet kit at Home Depot previously, but at this point I'm tired of walking through every isle to find something that I can dremel into submission.

It seems like when modding production lights, it would be a common need to have a spacer or washer of an exact size. Is there a site online where I can find such parts?

Thanks!

 

[Mirage_Man]

What about using a thicker o-ring?

 

[ja10]

The o-ring in the L1 head fits under the threads, and doesn't add to the thickness of the "stack" (spacer, reflector, lens, washer).

I can post pictures to show the specific problem if that would help, but with the way that the reflector fits in the head with the stock parts, I just need to add in 1mm somewhere to make it fit tightly with the thinner UCL lens.

I figured that people must have a source for random parts like this to make everything fit (especially when adding a reflector to a light with a stock optic). I've run into this problem a couple of times, and was able to get a bigger washer and dremel it down, but I really need it no wider than 1mm, and I'm not good enough to create something that think without breaking it.

 

[Mirage_Man]

So you can't put an o-ring between the lip of the bezel and the lens or between the reflector and lens?

 

[ja10]

I have several o-rings, but all of them are slightly too small or too big in diameter, and all of them are too thick. I can head back out to Lowes or Home Depot to find one that might fit, but it's such a guessing game. If I could get online and order a few, I could get the exact right diameter, and then get several thicknesses and see what fits the best.

You are right though, and o-ring is a better option than a washer.

 

[ja10]

The main issue though is that I'm pretty sure it needs to be .5mm or 1mm thick, and it can't be any wider than 1mm, or it will block some of the light coming out of the reflector.

 

[cy]

dat2zip shoppe or b/s/t

 

[ja10]

I'll check around b/s/t. I've looked at the shoppe, and he does have quite a few o-rings. I might just order one of each and see what might work. I was hoping to remove the guess work and find a site that listed specific sizes, but I guess that doesn't exist - oh well

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Morelite]

There are several O-ring dealers online that offer 1mm (cross section) O-rings in that diameter, but the problem will be with generating an order to meet their minimum. The metric number you need is M1x22 (M1X22 22.00±0.23 1.00±0.08)
O-RingsWest has them, but they have a $20 per size min. order.

 

[cy]

note there's very_few folks willing to sell you a .25cent part with no handling charge.

it's amazing how shoppe has been quietly doing this for years.
so support the shoppe any time you can!!!!

 

[Mirage_Man]

If you have an Ace hardware close by you might want to check there. They usually have a fairly decent selection and sell onesies.

 

[scottv]

I've got a 23mm outside 20mm inside 1mm thick aluminum ring that I pulled out of some old IDE drive.
Don't remember what brand because I tore apart about 12 drives for the rare earth magnets.

Measurements are approximate - if you want exact I can use a micrometer at work tomorrow.

Email me your address and I'll send it.

 

[ja10]

Thanks Morelite for the size - that helps a lot. When I get back from work tonight, I'll check the shoppe and see if he sells it. Ace Hardware is also a good idea.

Scottyv, thanks for the offer. I'll do some research tonight and let you know. I really appreciate it!

 

[scottv]

Just measured with the fancy digital calipers
Two different rings
22.73 out, 20.00 in, 0.65 thick
23.60 out, 20.00 in, 1.67 thick