Hand tool repair. what material is traditionally used for engineers divider points

[Neilornoneil]

I have a set of Starrett no85 divider/calipers, with missing points. I thought about shaping some 9/32 silver steel rod , but unsure if that would be a suitable choice. Any other suggestions please?

 

[Burnerman]

Silver steel is probably ok, often it's a ground material for accuracy.
How about a high carbon steel, maybe a drill bit for example?
John

 

[GhostIntMachine]

Only my observation, but I thought they'd be a hardened high carbon steel, John. The replaceable points I've seen are often chemically blackened and if you drop the tool on its' points and bend one of them it'll be almost impossible to straighten, presumaby because they are extra hard. Points for marking gauges, on the other hand seem to.be unhardened silver steel - they can be easily sharpened and profiled with a file but the can go blunt judging from the number of knackered "antique" marking gauges I come across

OP - I don't think it matters too much what sreel you use for low volume work, so long as it will take a point

 

[^woody^]

A couple of nails

 

[Neilornoneil]

thanks for your replies. I'll go with the silver steel. shape, harden and temper