Tool for RC4WD Scale Wheel Lugs for 1.55 Wheels

[Spidernad]

First, I want to say I’m really glad that RC4WD makes so many amazing parts for RC trucks.
I can’t imagine building rigs without so many of their products being available.
With so many products, they are bound to have a few fitment issues, especially the smaller the part is.
It’s tough to get perfect tolerances with parts this small, and still keeping cost down.

Okay, so I had been waiting a long time to get some of these RC4WD scale wheel lugs for 1.55 wheels.
They were out of stock for quite a while, but the other day they the got some in and I ordered all they had in stock.
I assume these are made with 2.5mm stainless steel hex rod, cut to lengths, then threading one side.
Unfortunately the 2.5 mm hex rod they use is actually 2.55mm.
While that isn’t much bigger, it’s just enough that any 2.5mm tool will not fit the lugs in order to tighten/loosen them.

I tried their “miniature hex bolt tool” (part # Z-S0635) but the lugs were too big to fit into it.

I looked through some of my M3 socket head cap screws, since they have a 2.5mm hex in them, to see if any of them would fit the lugs.
Eventually I found some M3 cap screws that were off of some RC4WD axle housings, which I had switched out for scale hex bolts.
I remember they had a very loose Allen hex hole and would strip out when tightening them with a 2.5mm Allen wrench.
These Allen screws, being too big, were just right to fit the scale lugs that are too big.
(A sloppy part to fit another sloppy part, lol, both from the same company too)

I found a 1/4” aluminum hex rod that used to have 6/32 threads in the ends and cut it down and tapped it out with M3 threads.
Then I screwed my “special” Allen bolt into it with red Loctite on the threads and let it cure overnight.
The tool fits into many drivers since it is a 1/4” hex.

You could also just use a 3mm link rod to screw the Allen screw into, maybe using a “good” Allen in the other end to tighten with.

Here is the picture story.

[The DC]

Now THAT'S just neat!

[doublej]

Nice and easy set up - Thanks for sharing!

[Spidernad]

Originally Posted by The DC

Now THAT'S just neat!

Originally Posted by doublej

Nice and easy set up - Thanks for sharing!

Thanks guys!

[offroadace]

Nice job!!
Very interesting.

[Helicopter Len]

Very cool, good thinking. You sure your not a helicopter mechanic? :cool:

[Spidernad]

Originally Posted by offroadace

Nice job!!
Very interesting.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Helicopter Len

Very cool, good thinking. You sure your not a helicopter mechanic?

Nope, just an Indy Car mechanic. Thanks.

[2manyprojects]

I like it! May have to use it lol.

[Spidernad]

Originally Posted by 2manyprojects

I like it! May have to use it lol.

Thanks. I've been using it with good results. I've only used my fingers to tighten the lugs with the tool, I don't think I would go any more than that or it might break the lugs or strip the threads.

[JeremyH]

Very cool!

[happymachinist]

Nicely done!

[Spidernad]

Originally Posted by JeremyH

Very cool!

Originally Posted by happymachinist

Nicely done!

Thanks guys. It seems to be working good so far.

[Spidernad]

I got a chance to put the tool to work today on an upgrade for my Cherokee.

Made a short video of the upgrades below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZBi5FvDHwo

This thread won't let me imbed the Youtube video for some reason.