Source for DIY’ing “universal” gunwale clamps?

[Guest]

OK, universal is a misnomer. But for a variety of gunwale materials the metal ones are more “universal” than the plastic/nylon versions. My favorite style of those gunwale clamps is the __/ bent aluminum stock and tightening knob style, like these:

https://www.essexindustries.org/aluminum-clamps/

Even the right angle L versions work well enough “universally”; I do pad the metal clamps with some neoprene to prevent scarring and provide a better anti-slip grip on the inwale.

But seriously? $33 for a couple tightening knobs, carriage bolts and two pieces of bent aluminum stock? A couple bucks in threaded knobs, a couple bucks in bolts and washers and a chunk of bent aluminum? (OK, stainless threads would be more costly, but still. . . . .)

https://www.zoro.com/kipp-star-grip...VBESGCh3AgwPpEAQYAiABEgK0bfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I need to DIY a couple sets of (preferable aluminum stock) gunwale clamps. Drilling the holes in the metal brackets is easy (if aluminum and not stainless). Bending the aluminum stock into an angle is likely beyond me.

FWIW that piece of aluminum clamp is approximately 4” long x 2” wide measured along the bent angle \__ wing, and ¼” thick.

Any ideas for a source of pre-bent |_ or \_ aluminum stock in approximately those dimensions?

 

[Mason]

I just went to a machine shop and got some (I think 2") aluminum angle, and cut one side to match the gunwale depth. I bought knobs from a local hardware (had used wing nuts for 30+ years). Plastidip works well for the ends--no scratches, and improved hold on the gunwales.