I am designing a landing net frame with handle, and want to add a handle extension. The handle and extension are about 3/4″ by 1 1/2″ in cross section. I want to be able to add the handle extension without tools (preferably) and have a strong joint. My only approach that meets those criteria so far is a threaded metal insert in the handle and a hanger bolt in the extension. This has some alignment issues that are difficult to resolve. The quick disconnect hardware that I have seen in catalogs is just not robust enough for this application. Do any of you have any ideas?
Thanks, Tom.
Replies
Think of the kind of connectors used to joint the butt and tip of a billiards cue, or which is used to join parts of a collapsible walking stick. Here's one example. http://www.cuestik.com/store/?DEPARTMENT_ID=96 I haven't used these or bought from this vendor but the concept seemed like it might work.
butt joint
Hi, Steve,
Thanks for the suggestion. I am going to search out a local store that carries cue sticks and see if these types of joints are a possible solution.
Best regards, Tom.
landing what?
The first question, I suppose, is what are you landing? A "flutter-by" or a flounder? (Sorry, the butterfly got a little strained by the alliteration.) If something close to the latter, a simple screw-in joint, such as that provided by a threaded insert and a stud, may not be sufficient to take the load. You might need a metal tube that would encapsulate all or part of the shorter handle. Or, if in wood, something more like a long, narrow bridle joint, with retainer pins.
butt joint
Good morning, Ralph,
The net is for trout primarily and I will use it while wade fishing as well as fishing from a drift boat. The extension handle gives me two applications for one frame. I am adding two pictures of my prototype to clarify.
Thanks for your input, Tom.
suggestions
Thanks for the photos, Tom.
If one thinks about the forces involved in lifting the fish out of the water, I think I'd orient the rectangular cross section vertically, rather than horizontal. That way, the strength of the handle is aligned with the primary force vector.
The practical problem is getting the starting threads of the two handles (the stub and the long handle) to align with the threaded insert so the rectangles align when it's tight. You might also consider a longer "coupling nut" instead of the typical short insert, as a means of getting more long-grain strength involved in the coupling. Perhaps a fairly tight tap-in hole in the primary handle, so you can adjust the alignment while the nut is proud of the handle, mark the alignment, and then tap it home. Epoxy could then be carefully injected around the hex of the nut to secure it in place.
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