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bear claw latch hicky thing

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Old Apr 28, 2021 | 10:02 PM
  #1  
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bear claw latch hicky thing

I'm using bear claw latches actuated by a 1/8" rod pulled by the door solenoid . The assembly looks like this


the little Rube Goldberg looking clamp on the rod isn't doing what it should. It was fabbed from a electrical cable clamp cut in half. The problem (I think) is that is copper and tends to loosen and fall off... I can't get enough torque on it with the screw head. I need some kind of rod clamp that is small enough to fit between the latch arm and the inside door skin and clamp securely to the 1/8" steel rod.
maybe something like this or similar to a ground rod clamp but much smaller



I can't find a source for tiny stuff , just electrical and mechanical stuff... any suggestions ?? I have about 3/8" stick out on the rod thru the latch arm

thanks
john
 
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Old Apr 28, 2021 | 10:09 PM
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You need something like this, just pushes onto the rod..
push on washers
https://www.grainger.com/category/fa...aining-washers
 
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Old Apr 28, 2021 | 10:31 PM
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What John suggested or these which is what many factory latches use .


of course the rod and hole in the latch need to be the proper size . The plastic will also help with any rattles the metal on metal produce .
 
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Old Apr 28, 2021 | 11:49 PM
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Originally Posted by EBEAR
What John suggested or these which is what many factory latches use .


of course the rod and hole in the latch need to be the proper size . The plastic will also help with any rattles the metal on metal produce .
Exactly what I would use. The factory made sure the tip was mushroomed to prevent the rod from pulling back up.
 
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Old Apr 29, 2021 | 06:06 AM
  #5  
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You might also look in the RC Hobby stuff (radio controlled car/truck). There would have to be some little steering connecting hardware that might have something that would work. I'm not an RC guy so I wouldn't know personally.
By the way, A big Hazel Green wave to ya down there in Hueytown!
 
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Old Apr 29, 2021 | 06:34 AM
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EBEAR is right on the money with those clips...if you are looking for a source try Chevrolet tailgate latch rod clips, just replaced hose clips a few years back on my DD.
Amazon.com: Dependable Direct (3 Pair) Left and Right Tailgate Handle Rod Clips for 1999-2007 GMC Silverado, Sierra, Chevy - OEM#: 88981030, 88981031: Automotive Amazon.com: Dependable Direct (3 Pair) Left and Right Tailgate Handle Rod Clips for 1999-2007 GMC Silverado, Sierra, Chevy - OEM#: 88981030, 88981031: Automotive
 
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Old Apr 29, 2021 | 08:32 AM
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I just fixed the chevy tailgate for a friend and I didn't have time nor those clips so a machine nut, I believe 10-32, was threaded onto the rod without a die and no issues. Just another option.
 
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Old Apr 29, 2021 | 11:03 AM
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Try McMaster Carr look for set screws, be sure to scroll down to set screws and look at the ones with serrated heads

Locking Collars | McMaster-Carr
 
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Old Apr 29, 2021 | 11:55 AM
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I couldn't find a shaft size on any of the tailgate rod keepers and the ones at LAP store were too large. I ordered 4 of these yesterday evening Should be here today... couldn't find push nuts locally in size needed and ship time was longer than MC


 
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