I went back to Homecenter in Bello, and then just about every Ironmongers / Ferretería, and any other store in the north of the town, that might have stocked steel spacers
of this size, or steel, copper, or aluminium tube 3/8\” or 10mm interior, but failed on all counts, there are times when I really despair at the lack of modern products stocked in Colombia, it is possible that they are stocked somewhere in Medellin city, but I have neither the time nor inclination to lose yet another two inches in height! For the time being, I will just use hardwood, and replace the part as the holes get destroyed by the bit, and place an order online to import a stock.
That took up the whole of my morning, so I\’m calling it a wasted day, and putting my feet up.
An Englishman in Colombia 