Kifaru Aluminum Stays

• Oct 20, 2014

• #1

ndbwhunter

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Does anyone know what grade aluminum Kifaru uses for the stays? My guess is that they use 7075, but I'd like to know for sure before I buy anything. 7075 is tough to come by in 3/4" width, so if you have any ideas on where to get it at a decent price please let me know. I need to make a few extra sets of stays so my buddies can use my packs.

 

• Oct 20, 2014

• #2

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kuhn4

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I previously had Al stays in my T1. They were stamped: Sapa 6061-T6511 20687766 ASTM. 3/16" thick.

 

• Oct 20, 2014

• Thread Starter
• #3

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ndbwhunter

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Perfect. Thanks

 

• Oct 20, 2014

• #4

RosinBag

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Why not buy them from Kifaru and bend them as needed?

 

• Oct 20, 2014

• Thread Starter
• #5

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ndbwhunter

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RosinBag said:

Why not buy them from Kifaru and bend them as needed?

Click to expand...

Because I can make them for about $8 a set, and they won't get used very often.

 

• Oct 20, 2014

• #6

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ScottH

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Here's a good source...http://www.mcmaster.com/#8975k585/=u8h4i7

 

• Oct 20, 2014

• #7

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TxTrapper

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Yes they are 6061 T6. I just did the same thing. I got mine from Amazon but it was the same price as the one above.

 

• Oct 20, 2014

• #8

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flyinsquirel

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Anyone have a lead on some 7075 in 3/4"?

 

• Oct 20, 2014

• #9

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wapitibob

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I doubt you'll find .190 7075 sheet pre sheared at 3/4. Kifaru probably has Ryerson or the like shear a whole 4 x 12 sheet of 6061 for them.

 

• Oct 20, 2014

• #10

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Terrapin

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I'm surprised they are using 6061 (or 7075 for that matter) both have a tendency to fracture when bent. I've never looked at one, but it must be pretty straight or they are relieving the temper before they are formed. I generally use 5052 for formed applications. Regardless of which alloy you use, I would buy it from Online Metals. You can buy bar stock in 3/16x.750", or plate in 3/16". Just rip it on a table saw, skill saw or even a jig saw. Squirt some WD-40 and wear ear plugs and safety glasses.

 

• Oct 20, 2014

• #11

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wapitibob

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6061 has plenty of elongation for use as a pack stay. In that application the benefit of a 7000 series alloy would be minimal.

 

Last edited: Oct 20, 2014

• Oct 20, 2014

• #12

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Terrapin

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I agree, having never looked at one of kifaru's stays I would assume it has a minimal bend. No sense in going 7075 or gummy weak 5052. Buy bar stock and be done with it: $6.97 for 6 foot. http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?pid=1133&step=4&showunits=inches&id=997&top_cat=60

 

• Oct 28, 2014

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• #13

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ndbwhunter

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Can anyone verify the dimensions of the aluminum stays? The 3/16" x 3/4" seem small.