How To: Make your own links

[Szczerba]

I live in the middle of nowhere so it's all online for me. McMaster-Carr does ship pretty fast.

[Debonair]

So I was looking at the SS tubes Szczerba provided the part# for on McMaster Carr's website on and put my work address in to try and get shipping costs. They took the order and billed to my companies account based on the address. Parts arrived the next day.

[Szczerba]

Originally Posted by Debonair

So I was looking at the SS tubes Szczerba provided the part# for on McMaster Carr's website on and put my work address in to try and get shipping costs. They took the order and billed to my companies account based on the address. Parts arrived the next day.

Nice!

Here are the ones I made. I ordered some 1/4" tube with the 1/4" AL standoffs too. I used a small pipe cutter to make small spacers to get my lengths perfect. See pic towards rod ends.

[josh6575]

I just tried running an 8-32 die over 4mm Ti that I picked up from ebay. It was quite the light display. Every time it would cut the white sparks coming off of it made for some excitement.

[freebird400]

I got some 1/4" stainless steel standoffs from Mcmaster Carr early this week. This is the way to go if you want to make your own.

[doubleoipunk]

I am planning on using the aluminum standoff method of making my own links. Does anyone use any sort of threadlock for this on either the rod end side or the standoff side?

[mikro383]

I've never used locktite on my axial links once they're screwed together and mounted they won't unscrew

[SouthernComfort]

I want some links made up for my Wraith but I just dont have the tools. I want them made from 1/4 solid steel rod for Revo ends..
Just need the lower links and steering.
I have the rod.
Local shop says its to small of a job and would cost me an arm and leg anyways.

[Duuuuuuuude]

Originally Posted by SouthernComfort

I want some links made up for my Wraith but I just dont have the tools. I want them made from 1/4 solid steel rod for Revo ends..
Just need the lower links and steering.
I have the rod.
Local shop says its to small of a job and would cost me an arm and leg anyways.

Get some tools and learn!

[SouthernComfort]

Lathe and or drill press is out of the question. .

Looks like all thread and tube for me.

[Duuuuuuuude]

Originally Posted by SouthernComfort

Lathe and or drill press is out of the question. .

Looks like all thread and tube for me.

You don't need either to make links. They really are one of the most basic things you can build yourself.

Small vice
Drill (corded or cordless)
Drill bits
Hacksaw
Tap
Lube
Allthread or X length threaded studs

[Szczerba]

Or order the mcmcaster carr standoffs, mcmcaster carr studs and traxxas revo rod ends, as shown above. No tool required for assembly. Just have to figure out what lengths you need.

Post #210

[SouthernComfort]

Yeah I seen that and they are great.. was just hopping to use up some of this 1/4 steel rod I have just sitting around..
8-32 all thread = .1640 o.d.
1/4 steel tube = .180 I.d.

Nice fit.

And its for an Axial Wraith.

[djp087]

So many great ideas. This is going to save me on my wroncho

[MountainStorm]

I've been making Al SS and Ti links using 3/16" solid rod and a 10-32 die...the round ones 1" with the split so you can crank it open to get started. The key is to use excellent thread cutting oil. Night and day. You can cut any rod with a hacksaw...even Ti rod. Bevel the ends (chuck it in a drill and spin it against a sander) to help the Die bite. Put a shit ton of down pressure while lightly rotating about a 1/2 turn then a 1/4 back then a full turn and a 1/2 back and so on until you put 10mm of thread on the rod. That is what a Traxxas Revo rod end wants: 10mm. Easy. No exotic tools. Elbow grease, hacksaw, die and die wrench, cutting oil, vice with padded jaws (I use aluminum angle). Get r done.

[billzkustomz]

how many standoffs come in a box so i know how many to buy?

[Szczerba]

Originally Posted by billzkustomz

how many standoffs come in a box so i know how many to buy?

The McMaster-Carr AL standoffs? They are sold singly.

[billzkustomz]

thank you

[Armistice]

Originally Posted by STANG KILLA SS

on my latest build i did this. no tools required and quiet cheap





8-32 standoffs
McMaster-Carr

8-32 studs
McMaster-Carr

rod ends
Revo Traxxas ROD ENDS REVO LARGE W/ HOLLOW BALLS (12)
Jato (longer) Traxxas Rod Ends/Hollow Balls (12ea): Jato

Dang! Nice!

I just do the 8-32 all thread with Revo rod ends. I decided to tap the rod ends due to trashing 2 of them from just trying to get them on. They go on waaay easier that way

Once I get my links all set up properly for my Wroncho, I'll go the McMaster Carr route

Also, I have not had my upper links on my Honcho bend. After an axle swap, I used the stock lowers but had to remake the uppers. They've been just fine and even did a G6 comp in them without troubles

[MacCrawl]

Awsome thread everyone. Love the detail and part numbers!!!

Now a little food for thought.
I am building a super (MOA) and am going to make new bent links. I have been hooked on the idea of making them from 1/4" solid carbon fiber rod with either revo's or jato's.
Has anyone gone this route before??...thoughts?