CD/DVD drive tray rails...make good prop shafts?

[golem]

My search found no real world opinions.

How well do the shafts used as sliders for the transport tray in CD/DVD drives hold up under use as prop shafts. They all spec out to a perfect 3mm and run true as true can be. Along with that, even though I'm sure they're not heat treated, they look to be quite rigid and not bendy.

Cheer!

[mxspode]

I have a small bag of these and I have used them on several scratch built recycled cd-rom motors as well as replacements for shafts in GB motors and others. I have had no bad experiences with them at all and I have yet to bend one. I have found that the size will vary slightly from one manufacturer to another but not significantly. They all seem to be with in acceptable tolerances.

Obviously your mileage may vary,
Rob...

[olmod]

Yes they do make better shafts than many of the comercial motors,
i use them a lot to replace soft HK mfg ones, they are hardened and polished without being brittle.

[golem]

Thanks for the replies guys!

I was leary of mounting one only to find it bend or break under normal usage and possibly cause collateral damage. Great to know I possess a handful of customizable shafts.

Cheers!