How To: Make your own links

[dieselmudder]

simple solution to the "boogered" ends of cut all thread is to run a nut on first, cut with anything you want. then grind the end to clean it up, i usually put a slight bevel all the way around. then spin the nut back off, cleans the threads well. also a pair of electrical strippers/crimpers usually have a cutter just for 6-8-10 screws. work well on softer metal machine screws, maybe not recommended for hardened/stainless thread

[punkfan]

Another option for those of you that don't have all the tools is to use axial links. They are drilled and tapped already for 3mm. I had some in my parts box and needed two new links. I cut them to length with a tube cutter drilled and tapped them out for a 4mmx20mm set screw, and used traxxas rod ends. Easy and the hole was perfectly centered (I don't have a drill press). Not the cheapest but maybe another alternative for those with limited tools.

[Sheepdawg23wm]

I do have limited tools since all im working with consists of dremel, vise and vice grips. Ive made links with 8/32 tr and 1/4 breakline and they work great and are super easy to make as long as your going for a straight link. Problem i have is figuring out how to measure for bent links using this method. Say i need a 130 mm link but want a nice bend in it for high clearance rear lower. If i cut to 130 mm and bend, now its way short. How do you determine how much longer the link has to be with consistency. Im tired of wasting material trying to figure this out?

[AgentXTC]

Originally Posted by Sheepdawg23wm

I do have limited tools since all im working with consists of dremel, vise and vice grips. Ive made links with 8/32 tr and 1/4 breakline and they work great and are super easy to make as long as your going for a straight link. Problem i have is figuring out how to measure for bent links using this method. Say i need a 130 mm link but want a nice bend in it for high clearance rear lower. If i cut to 130 mm and bend, now its way short. How do you determine how much longer the link has to be with consistency. Im tired of wasting material trying to figure this out?

Why not try a piece of paper / cardboard / corrugated plastic or something similar? Cut it to various lengths, make the bend you want and measure from end to end to find the length you need to make a 130mm bent link? Once you've figured out the geometry required, use that as a base to match up your material to. Measure, measure, cut, bend, compare to your template piece, bend again if necessary until it's perfect?

Or draw a template, mark 130mm in length, then put your material down and outline it along the bend you want, then measure through the bend and you'll have the full length you need. :-)

[chattinfarms]

How do you go about getting your solid rod drilled perfectly centered

[OntarioCrawler]

Originally Posted by chattinfarms

How do you go about getting your solid rod drilled perfectly centered

use either a drill press or center punch and hold it in a vice.

[Erin]

Originally Posted by chattinfarms

How do you go about getting your solid rod drilled perfectly centered

Jeepindoug drill guides see vendor section

[SlickRockSpider]

Originally Posted by Sheepdawg23wm

I do have limited tools since all im working with consists of dremel, vise and vice grips. Ive made links with 8/32 tr and 1/4 breakline and they work great and are super easy to make as long as your going for a straight link. Problem i have is figuring out how to measure for bent links using this method. Say i need a 130 mm link but want a nice bend in it for high clearance rear lower. If i cut to 130 mm and bend, now its way short. How do you determine how much longer the link has to be with consistency. Im tired of wasting material trying to figure this out?

Measure the 130 mm bent link. Straight from eye to eye.

(Desired length) - (130 mm bent link eye to eye) = the length you add to the 130 mm starting length

(130 mm) - (110 mm example) = 20 mm

20 mm + 130 mm = 150 mm

And Or use card board and cut and measure

I hope this helps.


Evan

[Sheepdawg23wm]

Thanks guys on your input, im gonna try this right now.

[tycoonman]

I'm looking for a bit of help making some links myself. I bought some 5mm aluminum tubes with 4mm inside hole diameters. I have plenty of Losi ball ends with 3mm holes, but It looks like I'll have to get some 4mm rods to fit the tubes. Do the Traxxas ball ends take 4mm threads?

The only reason I'm trying to stick with Metric is because because I have a Metric tap and die set, but I have no trouble buying a SAE tap. Anyhow, I would appreciate help because this is the one place I'm spinning my wheels with on my scaler build.

[OntarioCrawler]

Originally Posted by tycoonman

I'm looking for a bit of help making some links myself. I bought some 5mm aluminum tubes with 4mm inside hole diameters. I have plenty of Losi ball ends with 3mm holes, but It looks like I'll have to get some 4mm rods to fit the tubes. Do the Traxxas ball ends take 4mm threads?

The only reason I'm trying to stick with Metric is because because I have a Metric tap and die set, but I have no trouble buying a SAE tap. Anyhow, I would appreciate help because this is the one place I'm spinning my wheels with on my scaler build.

the traxxas should, i believe you just need to tap them for 4mm.

[tycoonman]

Any idea where I can buy a few feet of 4mm rod... everything in the states is SAE.

Sent from my LG-P509 using Tapatalk

[C*H*U*D]

Originally Posted by tycoonman

Any idea where I can buy a few feet of 4mm rod... everything in the states is SAE.

Sent from my LG-P509 using Tapatalk

I get mine from our local hardware store. They have a pretty good assortment for both and they sell it in stainless which is also nice.

You can also get it from McMaster-Carr, but they only sell in meters not feet

[tycoonman]

All my local hardware stores sell SAE rods only... dang Amerika.

Is Aluminum worth a try, or not strong enough?

EDIT:

Good news. I tried some SAE rods I bought at Home Depot for a trailer build, and they measure just about 4mm in diameter and slide right on into the tubes nicely. I'll go back and buy some more of this rod.

So, are the Traxxas ends thick enough to allow to be taped for 4mm rods? If so, then I'll order up a set.



This is a losi 3mm end.

Looking at post #24, it looks like these should work.

How To: Make your own links

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXHGB7&P=FR

[street.terror]

I couldn't find any metric on the weekend, not much open thanks to the holidays. I just bought the SAE equivalent which is 8-32 (99% sure as I'm sitting here) I used the Large REVO links with out issue

[tycoonman]

Well thank you very much folks, for your help. I just bought a pack of the larger Revo ball ends. I'm sure they will fit fine. Looking forward to making some links.

[street.terror]

Originally Posted by tycoonman

Well thank you very much folks, for your help. I just bought a pack of the larger Revo ball ends. I'm sure they will fit fine. Looking forward to making some links.

made a world of difference for me.. from three feet i made 4 links and my steering links with some to spare.

It nice not having the rear links fold in half when i load the front against something

[tycoonman]

Certainly... that and just the cost. To make three feet of links it will cost MUCH less than buying anything factory made (labeled, really).

As for durability, I just dunno. Time will tell I suppose.

[OntarioCrawler]

Originally Posted by tycoonman

Certainly... that and just the cost. To make three feet of links it will cost MUCH less than buying anything factory made (labeled, really).

As for durability, I just dunno. Time will tell I suppose.

i bought some VP stuff last month, $75 shipped for 4 links. for the cost of steel, and time, i can make 25 links for that same price. (no more links buying for meee)

[punkfan]

There is no need to tap the revo ends to 4mm. They will screw in as is, and it gives you a nice deep set on the threads that will not pull out.