Steel Guitar Builder

I have a Carter with the brass barbells that slip into the bell cranks. I can thread pull rods, no problem, but I don't know how to put the loop in the other end to precisely fit the barbell.

How do you do that?

b0b I would use something like my pedal rod hook bender. It is easy to make and when you have it, you can't do without it.

As you see, it is made up from 2 pieces angle iron. For my hooks, I use a 3/16"SS round - the shiny L shape you see going thru the holes.
It would be natural to think that you would use a pin the diameter of your barbell.
The handle is notched out to receive the rod at a snug fit. You would notch out yours to fit the pull rods. Then you see the pedal rod poking thru the hole. You would have as much rod sticking out for the length of hook you need. And here you see the finished bend. Also, notice the lines I have scribed on the angle. These are reference lines for the amount of hook I want. Experiment with scraps and you'll get it in no time.
Hope this works for you.

I never fail to mention the originator of this ingenious device. This is Bill Ford's invention and it is truly a BIFF (Better Idea From Ford)
Thanks again Bill!

Looks good, Bent. Could you sell me such a thing? I don't have the tools (or the skill) to make one myself.

b0b, right now I am knee deep into a project plus making some parts that I committed myself to. If you are in no hurry I will make you one when I have time.
Let me know, then I can scrounge around for scraps of metal.

Yo b0b,

Send me a carter pin and I'll make a little bender up for you. You using 3/32 rods?

Thanks, Ross. I'll send you a sample rod too.

Hey Ross, Not to be nosy but I think from memory, ( if Bob will confirm)the rod on the Carter has to have this shape to "snap" on the barbells...BF

The original rods have a simple U shape. I suppose they could slip off off they had too much slack, but not if the guitar is properly adjusted.

B0b,
I have experience with Carter steels, and recommend that you make the length of the hook a bit longer than the standard length (about 1/8" longer), get new brass pull-pins, as the ones on your steel may well be worn, and, when you bend the hooks, make sure that they are a 'snap' fit on the brass pull-pins. This ensures that the whole assembly can't drop out when a string breaks, or when you're changing strings.

The reason for having the rod hooks longer than standard is because, as the pull-pins wear down, the rod is no longer a 'snap' fit, so needs the extra length to stop it dropping out when changing strings, if the changer finger is inadvertently moved when installing the new string.

Thanks for the advice, Burt.