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I know most folks here are using either nothing at all (i.e. for a non-adjustable shaft), PVC compression
fittings, Pluggers, or some combination of commercial shaft hardware. I couldn't find any
threads where anyone has posted anything like this, so I thought I would share my idea using a 1/2-inch
PVC coupler for those that like to DIY as much as possible and practical. It seems to grip the lower shaft
very well.
For the shaft, I'm using a painter's rod for the upper, and a Tesoro I bought on the 'net for the lower.
For the shaft lock...
1. Using a rotary tool, cut two, centered 3/4-inch deep slots that are 180 deg. from each other in one
end of the 1/2-inch PVC coupler
2. Cut two more slots in the other end which are offset by 90-deg. from the opposite end (offset is to
preserve strength in the coupler. Otherwise the coupler would be nearly split in half)
3. Since the Tesoro rod is a loose fit in the coupler, I cut pieces of 3/4-inch Velcro to match the ID of
the coupler and glued them inside. Other material could be used (maybe some rubber from an old tire
tube? - I don't have any). Regardless, the Velcro seems to provide perfect spacing to support the lower
rod.
4. Install the coupler on the shaft using two 11/16 - 1 1/4 stainless-steel pipe clamps. (I trimmed the
excess steel off on the clamps on mine to make it look a little better)
I still need to drill holes in the upper shaft for the lower spring locks. Then it shouldn't look too bad after painting.
fittings, Pluggers, or some combination of commercial shaft hardware. I couldn't find any
threads where anyone has posted anything like this, so I thought I would share my idea using a 1/2-inch
PVC coupler for those that like to DIY as much as possible and practical. It seems to grip the lower shaft
very well.
For the shaft, I'm using a painter's rod for the upper, and a Tesoro I bought on the 'net for the lower.
For the shaft lock...
1. Using a rotary tool, cut two, centered 3/4-inch deep slots that are 180 deg. from each other in one
end of the 1/2-inch PVC coupler
2. Cut two more slots in the other end which are offset by 90-deg. from the opposite end (offset is to
preserve strength in the coupler. Otherwise the coupler would be nearly split in half)
3. Since the Tesoro rod is a loose fit in the coupler, I cut pieces of 3/4-inch Velcro to match the ID of
the coupler and glued them inside. Other material could be used (maybe some rubber from an old tire
tube? - I don't have any). Regardless, the Velcro seems to provide perfect spacing to support the lower
rod.
4. Install the coupler on the shaft using two 11/16 - 1 1/4 stainless-steel pipe clamps. (I trimmed the
excess steel off on the clamps on mine to make it look a little better)
I still need to drill holes in the upper shaft for the lower spring locks. Then it shouldn't look too bad after painting.
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