T series switch rod replacement

[Douwe]

I've read about the issue before here: The rod with plastic coating that holds the percussion and preset switches is falling apart.
I want to replace it but have a hard time to find a good alternative. What would be a good replacement?
Even 3mm or 1/8" rod seems quite rare... let alone with a plastic coating.

[tpappano]

[Douwe]

I assume you just removed the plastic bits. Does it make the switches more "clicky"?

[tpappano]

I looked at my T312 and its rod is just plain. I measured it to be .065" diameter so I would suggest a 1/16" diameter mild steel acetylene welding rod if a replacement is needed. These are just simple steel rods, usually copper plated, 3 feet long, cheap!

[Douwe]

Interesting. So apparently the addition of plastic was only for the late models (and clearly not a good idea). Welding rod I have around, but in this case I might even just remove the old plastic from the rod and keep the rod (which is about 0.1").

[victa150]

Mine have done the same thing...I was wondering what all those little flakes were...

[victa150]

Would it be possible to use plastic tubing (cut into sections) slide the rod through it? Up the treble end of my T524c the rods have worn the holes oval and it's a bit loose ...don't think it affects the function though...but it might be possible to drill the hole a little bigger and put a nylon bush in there ...

[Douwe]

So i've in the end replaced the brittle plastic and kept the metal rods. It came out in lots of pieces...



I found that the isolation of household electric wire fits perfectly around the metal rods, and has the same outer diameter as well.
Below a picture with the rods including isolation that is stripped off the copper wire and put around the metal rod.



Below also a video of the sound with and without the new plastic. Up is with, down is without the plastic.
It makes a considerable difference in the switch sound, even more pronounced than you can hear on the video.

[victa150]

Did you put the insulation on the whole rod..or cut it into short pieces?

[victa150]

Did you have to widen the holes at each end to accommodate the wider diameter?

[Douwe]

I've put it on the full length. It was a bit of a hassle to strip such a long part off the copper at once, but after that it is easy. The holes are large enough to fit the wire with insulation. No drilling required.