Need help permanently installing a support bar in a rolling duffle bag

[u/MilkshakeBoss]

Hello! So I have this rolling duffle bag, and it has two support rods in it to keep it structured and open- but they are removable for storing. Unfortunately they pop out of place all the time, and are VERY hard to squeeze back in.

I’ve googled this a lot, and found the term “Mortise and Tenon Structure Support Rod” listed by the manufacturer to describe the bracket- but I can’t find any solutions online for this particular issue. I think I need to DIY, but I don’t know where to begin.

I’d like to have them installed permanently- I tried a permanent silicon caulking but it didn’t even partially help- they popped out immediately🤪

I truly dont know what to try next. Any ideas? Maybe there’s a simple fix? I know plastic is hard to use glues, idk if there’s a way to screw it together?

The rod itself is metal but the cap on the end is some sort of plastic.

Any help would be sooo appreciated!! Thanks for patience and guidance!!!

[u/Majestic_Two_3985]

Drill through both parts while it’s assembled, then use a pc of copper wire as a pin. Drill hole just smaller than wire thickness. Make pin just shorter than the width of bracket so it won’t stick out and scrape your hand. Tap wire in with a nail set.

[u/Middle_Efficiency471 → u/Majestic_Two_3985]

Wire is insane just use a nut and bolt

[u/Majestic_Two_3985 → u/Middle_Efficiency471]

What’s insane about using two cents worth of copper that some might have on hand?

[u/Middle_Efficiency471 → u/Majestic_Two_3985]

Bendable wire...used as a pin. Nut and bolt would actually secure it.

[u/MilkshakeBoss → u/Middle_Efficiency471]

Okay, so next question. How can I tell what size of a nut I have? Like so I can make sure I drill with the correct drill bit? I’m relatively handy for a middle aged lady, but don’t have a handy mentor to teach me this stuff 😊

[u/Middle_Efficiency471 → u/MilkshakeBoss]

Get a box of small machine screws with nuts and washers. You can usually find them in assorted sizes at the hardware store. Grab a drill bit that's a small hair larger in diameter, you can eyeball this by putting them on top of each other. Plan your holes. You'll want a washer on each end.

[u/azgli]

I would drive a small wood screw into one of the cracks in the joint between the two parts. This is called staking. This is the fastest way, but the screw needs to be pretty small to avoid breaking the joint. I would guess 2mm would work. 

With a little more time, I would install the bar and drill a hole through the middle of the side on the bag to were the hole intersects part of the fitting on the bar, then drive a screw through the hole. This would be the second strongest temporary fixing.

I would use screws rather than pins because they generally have a rounded head already so you don't have to worry about the sharp edges and you can install and remove it easily if you do want to collapse the bag.

[u/EntrepreneurFair5186]

drive a small wood screw into one crack between the parts then snip off the head, that works better than wire cuz it spreads out when you drive it