How to actually bend the axles...

[newtothis]

I've seen many topics regarding how much to bend or how to groove axles, but there hasn't really been anything I can find on how to actually create the bend in the axle. Now, this is also referring to bending them without something like the GB tool. That would likely be ideal, so I'll have to look into possibly getting one of those at a later date.

How can you create a proper bend without a specialized bending tool?

 

[bracketracer]

http://pinewoodderby.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=7351093&goto=nextoldest

http://5kidsracing.webs.com/cubscoutbuildtips.htm

Aftermarket axles require a bending groove, stock axles might not. Just be sure not to bend the shaft where the wheel rides.

 

[newtothis]

Great info...thank you, sir!

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

 

[newtothis]

Wow, great tutorial...I really appreciate it, John!

 

[MrRoadWarrior]

I was planning on axle prep tonight. If you have a axle bender, do you still put a grove in for after market axles?

 

[Crash Enburn]

Yes. You may be able to bend w/o the groove, but it will certainly be easier with.
In my red-misted rush to get cars out the door last race, I totally forgot the groove and had a bear of a time getting a bend in some 92s. I don't use a screwdriver any more, as it left a sharp edge on the axle*. Instead, I use a slightly hollowed piece of broomstick.

*This was bending an out-of-the-box axle, not a harder 92. With no groove, as the stock axles are pretty soft comparatively.

 

[bracketracer]

I was planning on axle prep tonight. If you have a axle bender, do you still put a grove in for after market axles?

I would always use a bending groove in the aftermarket axles even with a good bending tool.

 

[aircooled]

I always cut a groove and then polish the area before I bend it.

 

[robo4881]

Has anyone had any trouble bending the grooved axle with the GB tool. I used it for the first time the other day and it looked like it may have also bent a little on the riding surface I'm wondering if maybe I just didn't have it clamped down good enough and that allowed it to bend up there?

 

[aircooled]

I've had my axle bender from DD4H, for years and never had any problems.