Hypodermic Needle Request for Retailer

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

I was reading in the May FSN “Reader Tips” of uses for hypodermic needles. What sizes are useful for 1/48, 1/35 and 1/32 scales? Who are good retailers to buy these needles from? Are there retailers who sell “seconds” for the modeling market? I do not know any individuals in the medical professions who I feel comfortable asking for used needles.

Thank you for any assistance.

2

I imagine you could get them at any pharmacy. Diabetics use them all the time, so they must be readily available. And get new, not used!

3

Hi there.

You should look up the laws in your state, many states have now made it legal for pharmacies to sell them over the counter.

Of course just because they can sell them OTC doesn’t always mean they will.

4

Mark, Here is a couple of links that most certainly help you out . The first is a size chart for Hypo needle to scales and gun type. The second is for a site that sells a large variety of hypo needle stock. I have found these to be immensely useful.

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/11038233/Scale-Gun-Barrel-Chart

http://www.smallparts.com/?ie=UTF8&pf_rd_r=0GX4K40DSSA39AQ0DCPN&pf_rd_m=A2LPUKX2E7NPQV&pf_rd_t=3201&pf_rd_i=4000&pf_rd_p=493387891&pf_rd_s=center-1

Cheers, Joe

5

Needles are over the counter at most drug stores but have to be purchases at the pharmacy and unless they know you are a diabetic by having exsiting scripts for insulin, they most likely won’t sell them to you. The online diabettes supply sites are your best bet.

6

I buy the hypo needles at the local farm and ranch store. They have many different sizes for veterinary needs.

Gary

7

I purchase mine from Amazon.com. There isn’t much you can’t find on Amazon.

8

http://www.mcmaster.com/

You can buy all manner of tubing from McMaster-Carr.They have all kinds of other neat stuff, too, thick catalogue like Grainger.

9

As a former insulin user, it seems to me that the needles used by diabetics are way too fine for use on models (maybe 1/144 or 1/72 scale rivets?)

I know the guy who posted the tip in the May FSM, and he gets his needles from a vet who works on horses. Those are some BIG needles - I feel sorry for the horses who get shots with them![:O]

10

Indeed. I flinch when we take our pups to the vet and they get some vaccinations. Luckily, our doc seems to use small needles when it’s possible.

As a side question, how does someone cut these things? I mean, they’re steel, aren’t they? Thanks.

Gene Beaird,
Pearland, Texas

11

I use a dremel with a cut off wheel. Make sure you use safety goggles in case the wheel shatters.