Rod end sizes and part numbers

[NickRummy]

Ok guys. I'm trying to figure out what rod ends to use with what rod. I'm making two sets of links. One will be using 6-32 threaded rod and the other will be used 8-32 rod. I've read a lot about people using MGT rod ends, Traxxas rod ends, and kyosho rod ends but couldn't find part numbers and when I did find parts the descriptions didn't match up. Here are some sizing numbers first.

Metric to standard bolt sizes:

3mm - .118
4mm - .157
5mm - .197
6mm - .236

Bolt dimensions:

4-40 - Maj Dia. 0.1120 / Min Dia. 0.0849
5-40 - Maj Dia. 0.1250 / Min Dia. 0.0979
6-32 - Maj Dia. 0.1380 / Min Dia. 0.1042
8-32 - Maj Dia. 0.1640 / Min Dia. 0.1360
10-24 - Maj Dia. 0.1900 / Min Dia. 0.1449
12-24 - Maj Dia. 0.2160 / Min Dia. 0.1709
1/4-20 - Maj Dia. 0.250 / Min Dia. 0.1959
5/16-18 - Maj Dia. 0.3125 / Min Dia. 0.2524

For the 6-32 rod it seems like my only option is to get a rod end that is made for a 3mm shaft and then drill it out a little. I made links about a year ago and this is what I did. I used these rod ends but after drilling them out a little there wasn't much material left. I want something beefier this time around.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...2&I=LXJJ81&P=K

For the 8-32 threaded rod it looks like I need a rod end that is made for a 4mm thread. I'd like to use traxxas rod ends if at all possible because that is what my LHS carries. I found these that I seen mentioned in other threads. Will they work on 8-32 rod?

These are revo rod ends that are supposed to work on 5mm turnbuckles. I'm not sure if the turnbuckle is 5mm and the thread is smaller or what.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...2&I=LXHGB7&P=K

Jato rod ends come on 4.3mm turnbuckles but it doesn't state if it is a 4mm thread or not.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...2&I=LXKMD6&P=K

These MGT rod ends are supposed to work with a 4-40 turnbuckle and I believe it was JIA or Jason that were using them on their arrow links with 8-32 all-thread. That means they need drilled out a lot for an 8-32 rod....... I'm not sure if these are what they were using or not.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...2&I=LXFUG9&P=K

[NickRummy]

Ended up just going to the LHS and buying a few rod ends and giving it a shot. Thought I would post up the results.

I bought some arrows from the local archery shop. 12 Carbon fiber arrows for $25. 6 aluminum arrows (with 6 inserts) for $25 and bought (2) extra insert for 50 cents each for practice.





Cut everything to length.



Pushed the inserts in each end. They were a REALLY tight fit so i'll try them unglued.



Used an 8-32 x 1" set screw in the inserts



The attached revo rod ends (part 5347)





For the carbon fiber shaft. I just cut some 6-32 all thread to the length needed. Attached one traxxas rod end (part 1942) to one end then slid the carbon fiber shaft over the all thread then threaded on the opposite rode end. I like the aluminum link better. This link would be great with another rod end. These 1942 rod ends aren't strong enough. Link looks awesome though.

[frdtrkguy]

Hey,
If it helps the Associated MGT rod ends thread perfectly onto 8/32 all thread, I dont have the part# handy though. Good luck

[NickRummy]

The revo ones work great on the 8-32. I'm looking for good rod ends that will thread onto 6-32.

[Offroader5]

Nice idea there with the arrows. I have done some searching for carbon fiber tube and it seems to be awfully expensive if your buying it by the foot....but 12 arrows for $25 ...that's not bad at all.

What's the diameter on the aluminum arrow you used? You may want to think about G-Made rod ends. They come in the small (but still large) 6.8mm and HUGE 10mm versions. I have the 10mm one's and they fit a 3/8" diameter suspension link perfectly.

[NickRummy]

Other people are using the arrow idea on the board but not to much is posted about parts to use with it.

Outside diameter of the aluminum rod is 0.282.

The aluminum rods are STRONG. It could be made stronger by cutting the backside of the inserts off and runnin 8-32 all thread all the way through the shaft to the other side but I don't think its needed. These things are beefy and really light. Plus the revo rod ends are strong and cheap to buy.

[rex450se]

Where did you get the inserts for the aluminum tube? Thanks
Victor

[addictedtonitro]

I'm wondering about that too. The inserts that is. My neighbor has a bunch of ...lets say tree casualties lol that I can get off him for nothing.

[braceysdad]

Originally Posted by rex450se

Where did you get the inserts for the aluminum tube? Thanks
Victor

Originally Posted by addictedtonitro

I'm wondering about that too. The inserts that is. My neighbor has a bunch of ...lets say tree casualties lol that I can get off him for nothing.

They are inserts made for arrows available at your local archery supplier...

[addictedtonitro]

well I've got mine all cut up now I have to find some 8/32 all thread to use as the set screws. I have a bunch of links so I'm gonna get a rod of all thread and cut into sections. My neighbor gave me 6 aarows lol. I'm gonna make up 3 diffrent sets in diffrent camo lol