Help requested: Supplier for cam lock knob?

thedaddy · Sep 15, 2009

Anyone know of a supplier that sells the cam lock knobs that fit on the 7/8" tubing for many metal detectors and tightens to lock the 3/4" composite coil rod in place?

I can order them from Bounty Hunter, but they charge $9 each (incl S&H) and that's pretty pricey. I'd imagine there's a source out there that sells these as it's a relatively common application; however, I've been unable to find a supplier.
Thanks,
Steve

NGE · Sep 16, 2009

I don't know, but, what's wrong with " DUCT TAPE"?

thedaddy · Sep 16, 2009

nowgittineverything said:
I don't know, but, what's wrong with " DUCT TAPE"?

LOL!
Thanks, agreed for most jobs, but I've a mind to be swapping shafts depending on environment and was looking for something to provide a secure but easily removable joint to the lower composite shaft. I have two homemade straight shafts right now, and am looking to make a third, each fro a specific purpose. I know it's overkill, but I like fabricating custom for myself. $9 ea is a bit price to put one of the knobs from BH on each shaft.
If you come across a manufacturer let me know...

eagle77 · Sep 17, 2009

I ran into the same problem a couple years ago. I went to our local plumbing supply and picked up a 6 pack of toilet lid bolts for around $6.00. Although the didn't come in black they still worked.

thedaddy · Sep 17, 2009

eagle77 said:
I ran into the same problem a couple years ago. I went to our local plumbing supply and picked up a 6 pack of toilet lid bolts for around $6.00. Although the didn't come in black they still worked.

Thanks, I know what you're describing and that's helpful. The nylon bolts are important to have as a spare for sure.

The part I'm looking though for is the knob, the locking collar, on the end of the metal shaft that joins and tightens the fit to the lower composite coil rod.

Woodland Detectors · Sep 17, 2009

I sell them and 9.00 is about the going price. ...Mike

thedaddy · Sep 23, 2009

4-H said:
I sell them and 9.00 is about the going price. ...Mike

Yes, that's pretty much what I've found. It just seems pricey for the production and distribution costs involved. Someone is making a LOT of profit off these units.

However, I've found that for the most part the manufacturers have contracted a plastics company with a proprietary design, paid for their own tooling and molds (which they own in most cases), and produce their own part (i.e. it's not an aftermarket part they use, but of their own manufacture). Therefore supply and demand: the manufacturers are the only suppliers and can choose to set whatever price they want - rightly so. If I paid for my own tooling and retailing the part was only secondary to an assembly (metal detectors) then I would want to recover and profit from my investment in the design and manufacture of that part.

Most other industries having a need for locking telescopic rods of these dimensions seem to use a compression ring fitting rather than a cam lock design, so there's not much demand for this part outside this industry. The result being there is not wholesale availability or a competitive supply to the consumer of these parts. Anyone could design their own of course, have the tooling done and contract to produce them. Unless you're willing to do that, you're pretty much stuck finding a work around or paying retail. Capitalism is glorius!

Monty · Sep 23, 2009

I'll bet they don't sell that many ergo the price is higher. Monty

thedaddy · Sep 23, 2009

Monty said:
I'll bet they don't sell that many ergo the price is higher. Monty

I'll bet you're right - they're not in the business of selling knobs though LOL!
Detectors have a much higher profit margin per piece I imagine...

Native1858 · Oct 8, 2009

Google the exact item descrition you are looking for........you might be surprised.

thedaddy · Oct 9, 2009

Native1858 said:
Google the exact item descrition you are looking for........you might be surprised.

Not trying to be confrontational - did you read the whole thread and does it sound like I haven't done some research?

If you found the part then kindly supply the link - the only ones I've found out there are ones sold by the MD mfgs or their distributors at retail offerings. There is no wholesale or aftermarket offering that I've been able to find - hence the query to the forum. Most of the replies I've received have been from people trying to be helpful and even nowgittineverything's 'duct tape' response was humorous and gave me a chuckle. if you were sincerely trying to be helpful then thank you.

Native1858 · Oct 11, 2009

1. Never mind, and yes I did read your post.

2. Being a certified locksmith, and having made many, and I do mean many, locks and keys that don't have pieces or parts for them anymore I might know a little bit. It can get very inventive, and interesting, when you use new key blanks to make keys for locks hundreds of years old; as well as making those keys from scratch with a piece of metal and just a file.

3. And that price of $9.00 for the "lockworks" you are looking for from a/the distributor is actually a very reasonable price. A Locksmith would tack on his overhead. I would suggest getting them while you have a reasonably priced source. Is the $9.00 price tag worth saving the price of its replacement.