A long time coming

Hi F,

Really great question, since these pushers wear out so easily - a source of great frustration. I'd appreciate any information in addition to that below from any other SpaceCompax owner or interested bystander.

First, the short answer: I have not been able to find original replacements. If you have any kind of skill in manufacturing rubber widgets (and I do not, as I have found out after multiple attempts to hand-fashion them from various blanks), do so! I will buy a dozen...no, two dozen.

Now the more involved answer: The originals are made of hard rubber. In addition, there is a very small metal washer on the inside that engages with the top of the pusher to distribute the force more evenly. There are replacements available on eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-S...002?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a33908e12), but these are a much softer rubber, and do not even hold their shape after a few uses, much less activate the pusher. They do not come with a washer. I made a washer to use inside one of these from several layers of heavy foil, and managed to achieve some functionality, but it is precarious to say the least.

Collector Franquel has made a good photographic and diagrammatic study of these which I found on O&P.The "rondellina" is the washer which is essential to function. The material below is his and is the best visual description available on the 'net/