Help with Ring Stretcher

[art925]

I have recently picked up an older Durston ring stretcher but the 6 prongs are out of alignment so when in use I do not get a round ring. Now that summer is over, I wanted to get it sorted before the gift giving season starts; has anyone any ideas how to go about re-setting the prongs. I have been in contact with Durston but with no response.
Any help will be gratefully received.
Les

[Tabby66]

Sorry Les, I can't help with solving your question, but when it's fixed make sure you move the ring around when stretching, or else it marks the inside and mis-shapes the ring....just an aside....sorry not to be more helpful....

[Dennis]

It seems to me Les, that you need to phone Durston and find out in princilple whether they can re-furbish it, in what time, and approximately at what cost. They might even suggest that they have replaceable parts, which they can send out.

http://www.durston.co.uk/lan-multi/drm-contact.php

You might also consider an inexpensive Indian one from Cousins instead.

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/ri...ol-indian-made.

I enjoy the benefits of mine in that I do not bash shanks on mandrels, but just make them a little too small and stretch to size, which also rounds them. Regards, Dennis.

[art925]

Thanks Dennis, you have read on here how bad they are at responding to phone calls and emails. I have even asked one of my suppliers out here to contact them in the hope that they react better to suppliers compared to individuals. I will try again.

[Dennis]

Yes I know Les, they have a big black mark against their name. I don't know of course what the real situation is, but I have noticed this more than once in family businesses, when the second generation takes over by default. Hope you get sorted, regards, Dennis.

[art925]

So it took a number of emails, telephone calls, messages and the like but finally, in just over a month of trying, my ring stretcher has been returned this lunch time and turning out perfect rings without damage on the inside or anything, I had no idea life could be like this...It appears they have reset the inner spindle and either reground or replaced the 6 outer prongs. Happy.
Persistence does eventually pay.

[MeadMoon]

Well done Les. Here's to many years of perfect, scratch-free service from your ring stretcher!

[art925]

Well done Les. Here's to many years of perfect, scratch-free service from your ring stretcher!

I'm gonna drink to that tonight Elaine, thanks.

[Dennis]

Glad for you Les and no more whacking rings on a mandrel must be good. Dennis.

[art925]

Glad for you Les and no more whacking rings on a mandrel must be good. Dennis.

You know Dennis, I have spent all afternoon just "piecework" making a large stock of rings, I am so thrilled. Tomorrow they all go off for hallmarking, it's hardly automation, but it's a start to my new efficient way of working.