Spacer capture method for rectilinear sectioned water rods

A rectilinear sectioned water rod (W) -- preferably of square cross-section -- is provided with horizontal grooves (18) for keying to bands (14) on the inner, water rod surrounding aperture of spacers. Each spacer is constructed preferably of Inconel and includes a specialized inner band (14) for keying to the water rod (W). The inner spacer member includes an upper surrounding band (42), a lower surrounding band (42), and four connecting vertical members -- one positioned at each corner of the water rod. Two adjacent vertical members (32) are bent inward to contact one side of the water rod at spaced apart points on the corners of the water rod. The remaining two adjacent vertical members (30) are bent inward to contact the remaining two corners at single points on each vertical member. There results a six point contact between the inner band of the spacer and the water rod with four contact points on one side of the water rod aligning the spacer normal to the water rod and the remaining two points firmly biasing the spacer into its normal relationship with respect to the water rod. An over center spring member (20) extends between two of the vertical members -- preferably those two members (32) having the four stops (50) configured thereon. This over center spring (20) is maintained outwardly and away from the water rod during insertion of the spacer over the water rod. When the spacer is located overlying its respective horizontal locating groove (18), the spring is manually tipped from its over center disposition to contact the water rod and lodge within the horizontal groove.