Jerry,
I just checked my local Ace Hardware here in Alameda for fender stay ends, but their smallest "thread protectors" (or "screw protectors," perhaps?) were too large in their ID. In addition to McMaster-Carr, Grainger's or an electronics supply store might have them. The heat- shrink tubing is a colorful option, too. You could probably also use a dab of epoxy glue; metal-compatible GOOP!, silicone caulk, or sealant; liquid electrical repair tape, or rubber tool handle dip.
Having worked in hardware stores for a few years, I'm sure that at two or three of these various suggested options will work, depending on your criteria (color, durability, cost, etc.).
Regards,
Jon Spangler who was repairing his household plumbing all day today in Alameda, California USA :-(
On Aug 14, 2008, at 12:01 PM, classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org
wrote:
>
> Date: Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:20:48 -0500
> From: kurtsj@mtco.com
> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Subject: Re: [CR]Mudguard stay end caps?
> Message-ID: <27251.1218738048@mtco.com>
>
>
> From: Jerome & Elizabeth Moos <jerrymoos(AT)sbcglobal.net>
>
> ....<snip> .."The mudguards came with the mounting hardware, except
> that
> they
> don't have the little plastic end caps for the stays. The stay
> ends can
> be pretty sharp, and are a potential hazzard in a crash, so its
> probably
> best to cap them somehow.
>
> Anyone know of any small plastic caps available at auto parts or
> hardward
>
> stores that would work for stay end caps, and what such items would
> be call
> ed?"
>
>
> hi Jerry,
>
> Check the local Ace hardware store, and wander around until you
> find their
> trays full of fasterners and hardware. Eventually you'll find the
> little pl
> astic caps. I think their term is "thread protectors".
>
> I bought a few recently, but they were yellow. Maybe a Sharpie
> marker wou
> ld turn them black so they would match the standard SKS/ESGE caps?
>
> It's good to be familiar with the hardware store's selection of
> fasteners a
> nd such. They can be a great source of typical nuts and bolts for
> the bik
> e, especially the ubiquitous M5 bolts for fenders, bottle cages, etc.
>
> Don't forget McMaster Carr either... http://www.mcmaster.com
> They do list "thread protectors". They are also a great source
> of typica
> l and atypical fasterners, as well as grade 25 ball bearings.
>
> regards,
> Steve Kurt
> Peoria, Illinois
> USA
>
>
> ------------------------------
Jon Spangler
Writer/Editor
Linda Hudson Writing
510-864-0370/FAX 864-2144
MOBILE 510-846-5356
hudsonspangler@earthlink.net