Thread: So take... these broken wings...

Rushing between gigs last night I threw my wings on the floor as I was doing a quick change. Next thing I know--SNAP--I tripped over one of the acrylic rods and broke it in three places.

I just went to home depot and bought some wooden dowels at Home Depot as a quick fix replacement, but it has me wondering...

Where on earth do you get the acrylic dowels???

Mine came with the wings I ordered from Aysha. I suppose I can email her for a replacement, but I'm wondering if anyone in Bhuz-land has another resource.

No answers, but I am going to have that song in my head all night now!

One of my local friends uses those stakes that you stick along your driveway. They're actually quite nice and bend-y!

Check your city for an industrial plastics supply company, and ask if they carry acrylic rods. I found one here in Dallas, and I can get 1/4" x 6' rods from them. They can be cut to length with a serrated knife - first score it all the way around, then it can be easily snapped apart and the ends ground smooth on a rough surface - sandpaper or even concrete. :)

Replacement rods for mini blinds?? You know the rod that you twist to open & close them. I wonder if that would work?

I broke my first set of acrylic rods and now just use the wooden ones. Learned my lesson and I always have a spare set in the bag with the wings. The wooden ones work just fine but I did sand down the sharp edges around the tips so they wouldn't wear through the wings.

Originally Posted by basil1

Replacement rods for mini blinds?? You know the rod that you twist to open & close them. I wonder if that would work?

They will work, but I find them flimsier than the original acrylic rods, which can lead to wings that droop on the ends.

Hi Aazura,
You can find them at model shops, (like the kinds that sell model train supplies), or at kite stores, like : Into The Wind Kites: Known and flown for over 25 years
They sell both fiberglass ones and carbon fiber ones. Maybe even the hardware store for replacement rods for mini-blinds?
Good Luck!

Wow, you guys are awesome! So many great suggestions! Thanks!!

Satin, I'm not sure I know what kind of stakes you're talking about.

Monica--that song has been in my head all day as I've looked for rods...l;,..l;,

Just another suggestion:

My local custom drapery and upholstery place had acrylic rods used for turning blinds, etc., and even cut them to the right length for me.

Good luck!

Edited to add: the rods I purchased locally were solid, clear acrylic and quite durable. I've had no trouble with drooping or flexing. I did have to sand the ends down carefully though, otherwise they would have caused runners and tears in my wings.

I also use the clear rods for turning blinds. For my heavy wings I use two rods that I hold together with small rubber bands. Single rods have been sufficient for my lightweight wings.

home depot, lowes, target, kmart, etc. anywhere that sells "sensible window coverings"

Clear, acrylic "window blind turning rods" here too. Never had a problem with them...

Tap Plastics

They sell all things acrylic. They have tons dowels in a variety of widths (I think colors too?) and will cut them to whatever length you want while you wait. Just bring the one that's not broken with you, and have them cut it to match.

Really inexpensive, too.

I use carbon fiberglass kite spars in my wings. They are stiff, lightweight and easily cut to size. I get all my kite stuff from Into the Wind, they are really great.

Repair and Kitemaking - Buy at Into The Wind Kites

I got mine at Audrenas And she is so awesome she had them set to my desired length.. She is selling for $12 first set including shipping and any extra sets are $6 each

I am very happy!!

I second TAP Plastics. They have the acrylic rods in all sorts of different widths and they will cut them to size. Have them sand the ends smooth, too.
TAP Plastics