This is probably a dumb question, but I just mounted a flying turkey (first one) and used a threaded rod for attachment to wall. I drilled a hole through the foam body, enlarged the hole at each opening and inserted a washer. Then I ran the rod through, put a lock washer and nut on each end and tightened it tight. Next I filled the holes and covered the nuts etc... with bondo. Got the mount hanging on a 2x4 to work on him, and he turns, spins actually. What did I do wrong and can I fix the problem without tearing the whole thing apart. I've run a couple 8 ga. wires above and below the rod to keep it from spinning for now but don't want to leave it that way for the customer. Thanks for any input.
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You either need to use epoxy, bondo/resin in the hole then tighten the nut or use a 2nd rod. I prefer two the bird will bobble less.
First and foremost, threaded rod is weak metal that has been prestressed with the thread dies. When I'm working with turkeys, I use 1/4 inch or 5/16 metal rod from Lowes or Home Depot. I then have my own dies to thread only the portion necessary. This rod has more tensile stength than threaded rod and only one rod will be necessary to secure your bird permanently.
On all my flying mounts I use two support wires/rods. From the smallest birds to the turkeys and swans. Its just my preference. It gives them plenty of support and keeps them from spinning. An exception is when I'm doing a competition style mount where the supports must be completely hidden. I might use just one in that case.
Wire what I do is take a piece of #8 wire sharpen one end then take another piece about four to six inches long sharpen both ends then bend into the shape of a U. Then weld the U to the straight piece making a fork shaped rod then push it into the bird. Works great for me. Have fun ED
Don't you bend the wire in a "U"? I've NEVER had a bird "spin" on me and I'm mounted geese, eagles, turkeys, and swans using a single rod.
Yes...I do bend the wire in a U shape. When I'm trying to mount them to driftwood or a plaque, they tend to spin while I'm trying to get the wire attached to the base. Using two makes it much easier for me to attach, especially on large birds. Again, I'm not saying this is best, just the way I learned and the way I prefer.
I usually work with a shop vise and bend an "L" with a hammer to fit a precut recessed groove in the back of the driftwood. Fence staple hold it in the groove and then a #12 wood screw installed up in the exit hole with the rod eliminates that as well.