Power Kite Forum

Screw size?

rpriegu - 25-2-2013 at 12:07 PM

Hello Everyone!!!
I'm thinking about building a buggy with a friend... so I got a couple of (maybe obvious) questions, that I think you could help me with...
1- What's the size (diameter) of the screw (don't know if that is the right word to call it) that you'd use to connect the rear wheels tothe rear axle?

Thanks in advance and regards
Ramiro

PS: More questions to come....

awindofchange - 25-2-2013 at 12:17 PM

There are several sizes used over the years. For the most common fit I would recommend a 20mm bolt for your rear axle. This will allow you to use nearly every buggy wheel on the market today. If you are purchasing wheels from earlier buggies, you will want to check the size of the bearings on those wheels. If they are sized for 12mm or 15mm axles, the 20mm ones will not fit.

BEC - 25-2-2013 at 02:57 PM

I would totally build using a 20mm bolt if you have the choice now. As Kent said, there are other sizes, but if you ever plan on running bigger wheels (bigfoots) or want custom wheels (aluminum) then you will need spacers..Kent @ AWOC has them, but look at prices before making a decision on fabrication size. What you think your saving money on now, may not be the best choice for you in the future.

If you never plan on changing sizes then go with at least the PL size which I believe is 15mm. This will give you a couple more options and choices but if you go with 12mm (like mine) older flexifoil you will be very limited. Especially if something breaks as I don't think too many companies are making that size any more.

Check out some posts too on making your rear axle changeable (meaning from short to wide) using different size tubes and pins...This way you can have one set-up and be able to transport it in a vehicle without a problem or rack being made too.

pyro22487 - 25-2-2013 at 05:24 PM

Bolt would be the proper term and yes 20mm would be standard size.

John Holgate - 25-2-2013 at 07:29 PM

A length of 20mm threaded gal rod is pretty darn handy - cheap and you can cut it to whatever size you want. One or two nuts to lock it to or into the axle and a nylock on the outside to stop the nut working loose. I've had my nylocks on and off maybe 40 - 50 times and they're just starting to get to the stage where I need to replace them....not bad for a $4 nut. The threaded rod was Beamer Bob's idea. (thanks Bob)!


BeamerBob - 26-2-2013 at 08:14 AM

John that was PTW's idea. Just passing it along because it is so simple yet effective.

Cheddarhead - 27-2-2013 at 09:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by John Holgate
A length of 20mm threaded gal rod is pretty darn handy - cheap and you can cut it to whatever size you want. One or two nuts to lock it to or into the axle and a nylock on the outside to stop the nut working loose. I've had my nylocks on and off maybe 40 - 50 times and they're just starting to get to the stage where I need to replace them....not bad for a $4 nut. The threaded rod was Beamer Bob's idea. (thanks Bob)!




That's exactly what I used to build my front axle. Some 20mm rod, a couple spacers, two nuts and I was good to go.

rpriegu - 28-2-2013 at 01:36 PM

Thanks for your feedback!
Regards
Ramiro