where to find a brass drift?

[77HesterSue]

So I live in Des Moines, Iowa. Not a small town, but no one seems to carry these in the stores. Half of the people I talked to had no idea what it was. Went to Sears, Northern Tool, Acme Tool, Menards, an auto parts place. Guess I'll have to shop online - where did ya'll get yours and what size do I need? Thanks

 

[-Spike-]

Harbor Freight. Although they don't seem to offer them online.

 

[shotgun]

I usually make them out 3/4 brass rod. Grainger has 3/4 brass rod 12 " long for $22.oo .or go to a metal supplier and buy it cut to what length & dia you want .

 

[77HesterSue]

sounds good. thanks for your ideas

 

[Chop Shop]

brass drifts leave/shed tiny chunks of brass while being used.

One little chunk of brass under a bearing race can hold it up and keep it from seating flat.

I stopped using brass and now have an assortment of mild steel and aluminum drivers that I use.

 

[Butt Ugly Chuck]

3pits on here sells them
https://forum.ih8mud.com/mud-bay-miscellaneous-items/247223-brass-drift.html

Butt

 

[2mbb]

I found them online at northern tool. They are called "punches" not "drifts".

Solid Brass Punches — 3-Pc. Set | Chisel, Punch + Stamp Kits | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[craptabulous]

just purchase round stock by the foot . cheapest and easiest .

 

[Kernal]

O'Reillys carries a set of three punches, they came in handy when I did my front axle service.

 

[-Spike-]

just purchase round stock by the foot . cheapest and easiest .

x2, if you can find it.

 

[TomH]

I got mine at Online Metals. Not sure on shipping since they are local to me.

 

[scottm]

I paid $20 years ago for this set at Sears, now on sale for $16. Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more


EDIT: looks like the sale ends today 4/26

 

[Pin_Head]

I use pieces of scrap 6061 aluminum bar stock. Much cheaper than brass. Holds up well.

 

[scottm]

I use pieces of scrap 6061 aluminum bar stock. Much cheaper than brass. Holds up well.

Does the hardened aluminum tend to split and break? I've seen guys use aluminum as a big drift punch, that makes sense, but I wondered how they'd hold up to regular abuse. For a small punch I'd buy my brass set from Sears again, but big ones get spendy and heavy in brass.

 

[Pin_Head]

no splits or breaks. It just mushrooms, like brass.