Reusing wheels / axles

[dad&3boys]

Is it feasible to reuse wheels and/or axles on multiple cars? For cub scouts, we'll be building new cars every year. If we purchase some pretty good wheels and axles, or tweak some so that that are pretty good, is it feasible to pull then out and reuse on other cars?

On a related note, when pulling the axles, whether to reuse or simply while aligning, what is the best way to remove the axles? I saw a tool designed for this purpose on one of the various pinewood sites...is this what is commonly used?

Thanks.

dad&3boys

[Mayhem Miller]

Depending on how many races your car runs in, you could easily get a couple hundered runs down the track on a set of wheels and axles. I personally run my wheels and axles for 2 years, then buy new ones. I would only recommend re-using them if your see no signs of visible wear, clean them well during storage and install/remove them properly.

I also use the axle pulling tool your talking about, (looks like a 4" metal rod). It works well and I havnt found any other way to remove the axles without risking damage. Its definately worth the $12 I paid.

I've found over the years having the right tool for the job makes life alot easier, so I invested in a complete set of derby worx tools, which are a total lifesaver!

[soobeesu]

thanks for the tip on the axle pulling tool and well as re-use. I dropped some dough on some tools but did not get this one. I will. Also, I had been meaning to really set-up my work bench in the basement and I had a gift card from my father-in law for x-mas...drill press, skill saw, toolkit, tool box, Derby tools, overhead light...my wife thinks I'm nuts but my boys love it. Had them practicing drilling holes a few days ago as well as using the Pro Mandrell tool in the drill press chuck to practice putting graphite on wheels.

Who invented the Pro Shaver? Anyone on this board ( Racer X?). I have a few ideas that could lead to more patents....

[Da Pine Racing]

thoover said:

Is it feasible to reuse wheels and/or axles on multiple cars? For cub scouts, we'll be building new cars every year. If we purchase some pretty good wheels and axles, or tweak some so that that are pretty good, is it feasible to pull then out and reuse on other cars?

Like Miller said, you can get a lot of runs out of a set of wheels

I will not take apart my fastest car (in case of the fluke factor). I like to use it to run any new builds against it whenever I happen to get access to a track. Once I have a new fastest car, I will then take apart the old for parts.

Hope it helps

Da Pine

[dad&3boys]

Thanks for the feedback. I have another eight years with one or more boys in Cub Scouts. Between the boys and me, some years we'll be running a half dozen cars between the den, open, and outlaw categories. Reusing some of the wheels and axles will allow me to spend more on tools and a test track!

dad&3boys

[DerbyDoc.com]

soobeesu said:

thanks for the tip on the axle pulling tool and well as re-use. I dropped some dough on some tools but did not get this one. I will. Also, I had been meaning to really set-up my work bench in the basement and I had a gift card from my father-in law for x-mas...drill press, skill saw, toolkit, tool box, Derby tools, overhead light...my wife thinks I'm nuts but my boys love it. Had them practicing drilling holes a few days ago as well as using the Pro Mandrell tool in the drill press chuck to practice putting graphite on wheels.

Who invented the Pro Shaver? Anyone on this board ( Racer X?). I have a few ideas that could lead to more patents....

Racer X is the man who invented the whole Pro tool line from Derbyworx. He is always open to new ideas, so shoot him a PM, or email ([e-mail])
He has a lot of new ideas coming soon (And youll see them all at DerbyDoc.com) LOL
Not to mention DerbySupply.com also