Bridge Washers

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Original Smith
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Bridge Washers

Post by Original Smith » Sat Oct 04, 2025 6:57 pm

The current bridge washer offerings are not made correctly. They got the thickness and shape correct, but didn't do the stamping correctly. Why? There is a round stamping around the stem hole to help the bridge washer seat on the tube. Is there anyone anywhere, that is capable of doing this?

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Henry K. Lee
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Re: Bridge Washers

Post by Henry K. Lee » Sat Oct 04, 2025 7:26 pm

Simple..., use a correct piece of round stock, a correct "catch" at the bottom and do it in a hydraulic press!


Scott_Conger
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Re: Bridge Washers

Post by Scott_Conger » Sat Oct 04, 2025 7:44 pm

Then watch them collect dust on a shelf!
Scott Conger

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Adam
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Re: Bridge Washers

Post by Adam » Sat Oct 04, 2025 7:53 pm

There are plenty good used originals available for much less than a good reproduction would cost even if it was available. If you buy four you have a lifetime supply so why should anyone make them?


speedytinc
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Re: Bridge Washers

Post by speedytinc » Sat Oct 04, 2025 8:03 pm

Original Smith wrote:
Sat Oct 04, 2025 6:57 pm
The current bridge washer offerings are not made correctly. They got the thickness and shape correct, but didn't do the stamping correctly. Why? There is a round stamping around the stem hole to help the bridge washer seat on the tube. Is there anyone anywhere, that is capable of doing this?
My take.
Originally the groves in the bridge washer clamped the tube stem together to hold the stem & be leak proof. Very effective.
Today the metal stems are vulcanized to piece of rubber & vulcanized or glued to the tube. The bridge washers no longer has to function to seal. No need for the circular groves to clamp the tube to the stem.

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Steve Jelf
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Re: Bridge Washers

Post by Steve Jelf » Sat Oct 04, 2025 11:12 pm

What Adam said. There are good originals still around. It should be pretty easy to find a few without spending a fortune. A WTB ad or two should do it.
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