On Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:31:30 -0700 (PDT), whit3rd
wrote:

On Monday, April 22, 2013 10:08:38 AM UTC-7, John Doe wrote:
I need something like a guitar string, about 18 inches. Preferably

from a local store.

So-called 'piano wire' is hard, but if you get some, and uncoil a length,
then stretch it (this requires a vise grip on each end), it gets straight.

Or, hammer one end smaller, then draw through a die (it will take some
lube).

If you buy it at a hobby shop, you can get straight lengths, somewhere
around 3 feet. It's very straight.

--
Ed Huntress