Does your Axle bender ever scratch the axles?

[Greatred]

Polished axles, groove in axel, using Derby Worx axle bender, placed the head in the cup as instructed and noticed some subtle scratches on the axle not at the bend point but higher where the lever pushed on the axle. Since this is a place the wheel rides, I reasoned this could impact speed.

I reversed the placement of the axle with the pointy end closest to the middle springed column. Did not see scratches on the test nail but will need to test on a polished surface.

Does the Goatboy axle bender have the same issue or if not, what is different about the goat boy axle bender to avoid these small scratches? Does anyone else have this challenge? How did you fix it?

 

[ngyoung]

That's why most people here do not use Derby Worx products or tools. They are junk.

 

[King Racing]

I have one. Prior purchase. Cut a deep Grove where you want the bend then put the axle in backwards (point towards the spring). I have better luck that way.

 

[Crash Enburn]

If I'm understanding this all correctly, the scratch ends up on the top side of the axle, where the wheel is not making [pressured] contact. While not ideal, I would think you're fine.

 

[Greatred]

Would it be fair to say that other benders are better? I have seen the goatboy bender out there--does that bend the axle in a different manner or with different materials? Are there other benders?

When placing the axel in the bender with the head in the cup, the small scratches are just outside the groove on the body side. I will try to post below. I will try the opposite orientation with super polished nails to see if problem solved.

 

[Kinser Racing]

I wouldnt use the Dirty Jerks axle bender. To me, it looks like your axle has a slight bend in the lube groove. It could be an optical illusion. If it is bent there, it will slow you down big time.

 

[LightninBoy]

To me, it looks like your axle has a slight bend in the lube groove. It could be an optical illusion.

I thought the same thing.

 

[Greatred]

You are both correct, that was the scratched area (I used the loop I got from DD4H and put it in front of my iPhone which was ok but limits the area in focus significantly) and you have confirmed my concerns.

Thanks for the help. I will look for the bender you mentioned on the web

 

[GravityX]

The Goat_Boy axle bender clamps down on the "bearing" area of the axle, so there is no fear of getting a bend in the grooved area of the axle. Far superior to any other product out there at this time. A must have if you ask me.

 

[HurriCrane Racing]

I use the Goat Boy axle bender and wrap the axle in a paper towel to protect the running surfaces when I bend the axle.
Good Luck!

 

[Greatred]

I picked up a goatboy axle bender at MA. I was also advised to sand smooth the clamp down area and then apply blue painters tape in the top and bottom grooves. Now I need to create a chart on degree of bend to height of regulator post head above the table face relative to the type of axle used. Or has someone figured that out already?