Help with car inspections

[AUPatrick]

I have been asked if I will help with the Pack's pinewood derby race this year. Our rules state that only official BSA axles can be used.

From a visual standpoint (we are not going to take apart any cars) how can you tell if an axle is an official BSA axle, a speed axle, or a stainless steel axle? The rules state "It must be obvious to the judges that the wheels and the nails from the BSA kit are being used. Axle covers cannot be used. All axle slots must be visible."

How is it obvious to the judges that official BSA axles are used?

 

[resullivan]

Many times I see people say that they look for the point on the nail. That being said, people are known to get the end of the nail.

 

[oskiwow]

I ask the Scout -- "Are you using official BSA axles?"

I take them at their word. They are Scouts, after all.

 

[AUPatrick]

It just seems like a stupid rule to me. If you can't tell one axle from another (I assume you can't but if you can please let me know) than I don't see why you shouldn't be able to use whatever "nail type" axle you can get.

 

[resullivan]

It just seems like a stupid rule to me. If you can't tell one axle from another (I assume you can't but if you can please let me know) than I don't see why you shouldn't be able to use whatever "nail type" axle you can get.

Ding, ding, ding ding, we have a winner.

 

[Guest]

It just seems like a stupid rule to me. If you can't tell one axle from another (I assume you can't but if you can please let me know) than I don't see why you shouldn't be able to use whatever "nail type" axle you can get.

Ding, ding, ding ding, we have a winner.

A magnet will stick to a stock BSA axle....it will not stick to a stainless steel after market axle.

 

[Spirit Racing]

DD4H axles are magnetic !!!!

...SPIRIT.......

 

[5KidsRacing]

Certain types of Stainless Steels are magnetic.... the better types/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif

 

[Guest]

Certain types of Stainless Steels are magnetic.... the better types/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif

I think if it's magnetic it is the 400 series, but it does not have as much magnetic pull as a plain steel axle like a BSA. I think the 300 series stainless is non magnetic and is the better grade of stainless. If it is magnetic it will tend to rust eventually. Not much, but some.

OK...I looked it up and this what I found, so sorry if I gave any miss-information. I have found 303 will not attract a magnet, but have experienced a very slight magnetism after it was machined.

http://www.bssa.org.uk/faq.php?id=24