Lift rod for stainless steel tanks?

[Kevin Caulfield]

I have two SS tanks. One is a Kalt with rubber lid, and the other a Samigon, all SS lid.
Both have the same design lift rod, which is basically a flat skinny figure eight on the bottom and a loop/hook on top. I often find that the lift rod gets tangled up on the reels, due to the little gaps in its shape.
I can only find one alternate design, with a flat disc on the bottom and no hook/loop on top. But the only one I can find online is 19.95 USD a pop.
Does anybody know of a cheaper option, preferably available online? Thanks.

 

[Lee L]

Kevin,

The straight rod with solid disc you describe is the Kindermann rod, and is designed to go through the smaller central hole in the plastic center core on Kindermann reels. It also catches the radial wires on the bottom reel and allows you to agitate by spinning if you want. It wouldn't really give you any advantage over the standard rods you describe when used with standard reels.

As you've noticed, Kindermann stuff isn't cheap.

Lee

 

[resummerfield]

You might want to consider making your own lift rod--just a simple L bend. I used a stainless steel welding rod, but you could even use a coat hanger. Most coat hangers are coated with a clear varnish. And if it starts to rust, throw it away and make another.

 

[dancqu]

Kevin,
...designed to go through the smaller central hole
in the plastic center core on Kindermann reels.

I've two 120 Kindermann reels, one of each of two
types. No plastic. Dan

 

[Lee L]

Here's the current style of Kindermann reel:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...kw=KIRSS120&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=26285
It has a black plastic core and film grip molded over the four SS vertical wire sections in the center. Both of mine have this construction. The plastic core has a central bore of about 5.5 mm for the lift rod to pass through. Can't recall how long I've had mine. Could be about 20 years, maybe a bit more.

Lee

 

[jim appleyard]

Try ebay?

 

[eric]

You might want to consider making your own lift rod--just a simple L bend.

Exactly. I've made tons of them when I was using 5 gallon tanks. The lab bought some steel wire from the Home store just thick enough to bend. Its just 2 bends and then cut to desired length.