Scrimbleshank
A scrimbleshank is a small mechanical device necessary for the correct operation of automata. They can be fashioned out of a variety of metals. In general, the material from which the scrimbleshank is made must at least partially contain the same metal as an automaton's internal mechanism to ensure proper operation.
Tom's Automaton Town sells a small variety of general-purpose scrimbleshanks. They also machine scrimbleshanks to order.
The O'Deal Family manufacture high-quality scrimbleshanks out of a special copper alloy. The Butler, Patch, and Elmer Dink were able to sneak into the O'Deal's factory and steal a bunch of scrimbleshanks. The Butler kept one for his automadillo and gave away the rest.