Home Made/DIY Alum Links Question

[sniper101]

Hey guys, new to the RC stuff so please be patient. My searching yielded nothing I didn't already know.

I bought a pack of Traxxas 5525 rod ends and one pack of 5347 rod ends (didn't have two packs of 5347's). I also bought some #8-32 threaded rod and some 1/4" hollow aluminum tubing as I thought I read in a thread this is pretty much what I would need.

Now, is the rod supposed to thread into the rod ends or use an adhesive? They don't thread in, that's for sure. If I'm supposed to use adhesive, what do you guys use or recommend?

I realize this is just one method of probably many for DIY links, but the thread this was in made this method and parts like seem easiest.

I'll use this thread to ask any questions for my CMS setup if I have any Q's.

Thanks guys!

[AX10wannabe]

once you have all your materials cut to length the all thread should fit, try tapering the ends of the all thread then put on the rod end by hand then put one end by hand put it into a bench vise sleeve the all thread with tubing then add the other rod end now grab a pair of pliers and twist the rod end on.. it will tighten up one end, example sometimes the rod end your touching with pliers wont twist on but the whole all thread and rod end is turning so its tightening the rod end thats in the vise keep tightening until the alum tubing is tight then adjust the length from there.

hope it makes sense and hope this helps.

[burtonkidd]

Use a 1/4" tap and tap the rod ends if you don't have a tapping set use a 3/16" drill bit and remove some material, worked fine on mine.

[sniper101]

Well the issue has been found! They sold me #6-32 rod . . . that changes the story a bit, lol.

I have a pack of #8-32 bolts I picked up and you guys are right, I can either tap the rod end a bit or taper the rod a bit on the end and it should thread the end. Will update this with any questions I have when I get the RIGHT materials this time lol.

Thanks guys

[burtonkidd]

Originally Posted by sniper101

Well the issue has been found! They sold me #6-32 rod . . . that changes the story a bit, lol.

I have a pack of #8-32 bolts I picked up and you guys are right, I can either tap the rod end a bit or taper the rod a bit on the end and it should thread the end. Will update this with any questions I have when I get the RIGHT materials this time lol.

Thanks guys

Yeah that explains it
good luck with the link. keep up posted.

[AX10wannabe]

haha yup explains everything!! let us know how it goes!!!

[The-Blacksheep]

i did mine the same way, i found that if you cut the threads in the rod ends, with the factory end on the allthread, its easier the get the side that you have cut started into the rod end, because the factory end on the allthread is already slightly tapered

[Big Daddy]

I always tap mine about halfway up. It makes getting started much easier and I've never had on pull out.