Is there a better way to bend my axles..?

[Vitamin K]

So, further on the topic of bending the axle for the DFW...

Our Pack rules require that we use actual BSA-branded wheels and axles for our builds. We also aren't allowed to modify the axles beyond smoothing and polishing. For this reason, I have elected not to cut a "K-House" groove into the head, and I do not score the axle prior to bending, for the DFW.

What I've done is to take a piece of wood and score a channel in it for the nail to lay in, with the head hanging over the side. Then I cut another, shorter, deeper channel, perpendicular to the first, at the location for where I want my bend.

See the picture, if it helps:

I lay the nail into the channel and put a flathead screwdriver tip over the bend point and then tap the end with a mallet to get a bend. It usually takes me a few attempts to get a bend that I'm happy with, which sucks, because it means that I have to polish that many more axles.

But, I'm wondering if maybe there is a better way? Is there any reliable way of bending an axle that doesn't involve scoring it beforehand? Is the so called "Rail-Rider" tool that you use to bend axles possibly worth it? (I hear you guys screaming out there).

 

[Crash Enburn]

Isn't bending the axle modifying it?

Ironically, FWIW, I use the "Axle Straightening" tool to bend my axles. I measure where I want the bend to be, put the axle into the block to that mark, then bend the axle using a hammer and a concrete chisel.

 

[Vitamin K]

Technically, yes! Though I specifically asked the race organizers if bending the axles for alignment purposes was acceptable, and I was given the okay.

Also, since BSA quality control is poor, it is possible for a nail to come 'pre-bent'. It's less likely for a nail to arrive pre-cut. /images/boards/smilies/smile.gif

Maybe I should pick up one of those Revell straightening tools from Michael's, next time I get a 40% off coupon...

Isn't bending the axle modifying it?

FWIW, I use the "Axle Straightening" tool. I measure where I want the bend to be, put the axle into the block to that mark, then bend the axle using a hammer and a concrete chisel.

 

[HurriCrane Racing]

Goat Boy axel bending tool!

 

[Vitamin K]

Uff-da. While Goat Boy's reputation in terms of quality of product seems pretty solid, the prices I see his tools going for is out of my range. Not slamming his stuff...just that it's a few notches above my level of commitment.

Goat Boy axel bending tool!

 

[txchemist]

For CUBS, I know this is easier, and produces fast cars the kid tunes 100% with no bent axle.

http://www.pinewoodderbyonline.com/post/drift-adjustment-for-cubs-7000286?pid=1283622014#post1283622014

 

[B_Regal Racing]

Maybe I should pick up one of those Revell straightening tools from Michael's, next time I get a 40% off coupon...

I have one for free (seriously)...It has not been used much.

 

[HurriCrane Racing]

Uff-da. While Goat Boy's reputation in terms of quality of product seems pretty solid, the prices I see his tools going for is out of my range. Not slamming his stuff...just that it's a few notches above my level of commitment.

Yeah, I guess I'm a tool nut.

 

[ngyoung]

BSA axles are easy to bend. I stuck mine in a vise and put a flat head screwdriver at the base and tapped it with a hammer. You don't need a groove for those zinc axles.

 

[LightninBoy]

I use the rail rider tool for bending the DFW axle. I put various material between the axle and the tool to protect the axle and provide more or less bend depending on the thickness of the material.

DO NOT USE A HAMMER TO BASH THE RAIL RIDER TOOL. A hammer has no place in PWD. Instead Put the rail rider tool in a bench vice and squeeze it to create the angle.

 

[Vitamin K]

Thor disputes your anti-hammer bias!

DO NOT USE A HAMMER TO BASH THE RAIL RIDER TOOL. A hammer has no place in PWD.

 

[Kinser Racing]

I use the rail rider tool for bending the DFW axle. I put various material between the axle and the tool to protect the axle and provide more or less bend depending on the thickness of the material.

DO NOT USE A HAMMER TO BASH THE RAIL RIDER TOOL. A hammer has no place in PWD. Instead Put the rail rider tool in a bench vice and squeeze it to create the angle.

I bend axles with a small hammer an a screwdriver most of the time.

 

[Obsessedderbydad]

Isn't bending the axle modifying it?

Ironically, FWIW, I use the "Axle Straightening" tool to bend my axles. I measure where I want the bend to be, put the axle into the block to that mark, then bend the axle using a hammer and a concrete chisel.

+1

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

BSA axles are easy to bend. I stuck mine in a vise and put a flat head screwdriver at the base and tapped it with a hammer. You don't need a groove for those zinc axles.

/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif

 

[JCovert]

I've made a tool out of a DW tool, it seems to work well. I drilled out the "raised axle" hole to fit my .091 axles and I put cloth over the axle to protect it when bending. I've got a steel bracket with holes in it that the axle head sits in.