What do you call those friction fit rod caps?

[Bill Stock]

The lawn mower has a spring loaded rod that holds the poop shoot closed when not bagging. I lost one of the 'top hats' a while ago that holds the rod in place, so I duct taped it closed, since I almost never bag. But today I lost the other cap and the cover won't stay in place.

So what do you call these retainers and will HD have them?

[turkeywire]

According to McMaster-Carr they are called push cap nuts. They should be avaiable from HD or Lowes. Look in the hardware section, there should be a wall of drawers with speciality items.

[sd]

Are you looking for one of these cap nuts for unthreaded shafts?

[Bill Stock]

Thanks guys, I thought they looked like these:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#94803a027/=3lnffx

But I don't think the shaft is 3/16". I'll have to find the Calipers before I head out.

[pelligrini]

Last time I got some from Lowes or HD I don't recall seeing any that small, both stores do carry them. You could always drill the shaft and use a cotter pin.

[Mr__Bill]

You could just thread the rod and put a locking nut on it.




Bill, always thinking of ways for others to do more work.....

[Bill Stock]

You could just thread the rod and put a locking nut on it.

We have a winner.

HD knew what I was talking about and had a picture of one, but no stock. The place they sent me is always manned by 13 year olds; if you can't find it yourself, don't ask. So I bought a threaded rod and locking nuts as Mister suggested.

[Mr__Bill]

The place they sent me is always manned by 13 year olds;

I'm glad to be of service. Don't shortchange those 13 year olds, you may need your computer repaired....


the other Bill

[LinuxRandal]

Just for future reference........

Check both your mom and pop, and larger chain, hardware (NOT home improvement center) stores. For me, it is Westlake/Ace hardware, that has a MUCH better selection of this kind of stuff in drawers, then either of the borgs.

When they don't have it, I have had to McMaster Carr.

[Uncle Cracker]

I've got a local Ace Hardware that used to be a Mom-n-Pop. They have an amazing amount of odds and ends in their hardware and fasteners. When it's weird and I need it quick, I can usually get it there.