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Member since 11/16/05
Posts: 1570
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Posted on: 1/1/12 8:29 PM ET
I am looking to buy some of this flexible wire/tension wire/spring coil or whatever it's called that's used in items such as pop-up baskets. I checked at places like Radio Shack and Home Depot, but they only sell flexible electrical conduit, which is different.
Can anybody help?
Thank you.
Claudia
  
Member since 7/9/06
Posts: 1335
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Posted on: 1/2/12 4:07 AM ET
Hmm. This might be a thing to hunt up at a plastics supply site and tell them what your needs are like... what stresses is the item you're going to make with it need to endure? Will it form by being in a casing or do you need to thermo shape it in any way? How big is the project going to be? How extreme are the bends it needs to make.
It's not terribly big you might try milinery wire or the nylon type. I got size 19 wire for my DD's wedding headpeice and that stuff is pretty stiff and springy.

Judith M milinery wires

Another option might be kite makers supply..they have flexible rods that will allow shaping of kite forms.

Flexible rods for Kite making

Some ideas. Also couldn't hurt to ask at Cosplay.com's forums if it's for part of a costume.
Shel
  
Member since 2/17/07
Posts: 2506
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Posted on: 1/2/12 12:13 PM ET
If you're looking for plain spring wire, here's a possible source. If you're not familiar with this company, they are a very large distributor of industrial materials, tools, equipment, and hardware. They are reliable, quick, and efficient. Have no fear ordering from them. NAYY, of course.
Stainless Steel Spring Wire
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A sewing machine is just a welder for textiles.
  
Member since 11/16/05
Posts: 1570
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1 Replies
Posted on: 1/2/12 7:08 PM ET
I want to make temporary window coverings for my large bedroom windows that work on the same principle as the solar shields sold for cars. Like pop-up hampers and play tents, they have a flexible wire spring that keeps the material taut when unfolded but refold easily when necessary.

Thanks for the websites. I'll call and see what they can tell me.

Claudia
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 2683
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Posted on: 1/2/12 9:59 PM ET
I have heard it called piano wire, I think.
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JanieV
  
Member since 12/4/14
Posts: 1
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Posted on: 12/4/14 1:06 AM ET
In reply to purplebouquet
Claudia, did you ever find out what this wire is called? I'm interested in using it for a project but I'm having a difficult time finding any information on it. Thanks!
  
Member since 11/16/05
Posts: 1570
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Posted on: 12/9/14 12:44 PM ET
In reply to angeleyes2984
No, I didn't. I ended up buying lined curtains.

Claudia
  
Member since 9/18/02
Posts: 4863
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Posted on: 12/9/14 2:56 PM ET
Birch Street Patterns carries some: wire for pop-up pet tent
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Debbie
Viking Sapphire 930, Babylock Evolution
  
Member since 4/1/08
Posts: 16111
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Posted on: 12/9/14 3:06 PM ET
Thanks! Cataloging under

notionsthread

re: Message searches
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Each fallen petal reveals a life pollinated by a colony
and nurtured by The Master Gardener.
  
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