While I am out shopping, I constantly keep an eye peeled for any item that could possibly be useful in model rocketry.
This morning, I happened to be in the paper plate/napkin aisle at the neighborhood Wal-Mart when I espied these:
Non-plastic bio-degradable drinking straws.
Why not? I picked up a box for $3.66 and hauled them home.
These straws are very sturdy and smooth. No spiral seams to worry about. The great thing is that they are identical in diameter to standard 3/16" launch lugs, as well as being 7-1/2" in length.
Besides launch lugs, I can see other uses in model rocketry such as detailing for Sci-Fi models, conduits, etc.
I will definitely make use of the straws in the near future and let you all know how well they work and if they take paints and glues well.
Cheers!
July 13th update:
After playing around with these straws in the shop, I learned that they are made from a recycled plastic compound. White glue will not adhere to them, though they work fine with CA and epoxy.