23 replies to this topic

[eAddict]

There has been some chat lately about NOT soldering in a motor but use screws instead.
I look through my collection of of tiny screws and found both the ones that take a hex wrench and others that take a standard small blade screw driver.

So what is the 'standard'? Is there one? I mean I have Falcon motors, 16D, and a few other FC-130 can motors around. Do they all take the same size?

[Prof. Fate]

Hi

This is where Philippe, the working french trained engineer will explain in detail what and where and using the correct tool for the job.

I am not as bright or organized as P, so I use the same hex head motor screws on everything. Simplifies my life.

While the various motors, if tapped at all, will fit different screws, pretty much they CAN be one screw to rule them all.

Your mileage may vary.

Fate

[PCH Parts Express]

The Parma #484 motor screws are good for general use. Whia, Parma, Snap-on and Sonic make good allen wrenches for this screw. The JK #3019 motor screws are great for Falcon series motors. Be sure to use the JK Falcon screw wrench.

[Pablo]

6 questions in one post

[Marty Stanley]

6 questions in one post

Pablo,

Who is our 'number of questions in 1 post leader' ?

[Bill from NH]

Vince, there is no "standard." Falcons & the other "FK" motors are threaded metric & take a M2 screw. The 16D can holes aren't threaded. Some will use the Parma self-tapping motor screws, but I prefer to drill them out & tap them for a 2-56 machine screw.

[Duffy]

Pablo,Who is our 'number of questions in 1 post leader' ?

Ooo, Ooo, a new challenge!! I'll get busy.
--And, Nesta, just ending a sentence with a question mark don't count.

[Gary Lum]

McMaster Carr, order pn# 92949A074. It's the stainless steel button head cap screws, 2-56 thread, 1/8" long, uses the .050 allen wrench (same tip as the wheels,gears,etc.). Pack of 100 for $4.71. You will need to tap the holes though for 2/56.

[Marty Stanley]

Here is another good source.

I like Fastenal as I drive by one of their stores on the way to the raceway!

[TSR]

This is where Philippe, the working french trained engineer will explain in detail what and where and using the correct tool for the job.

Me, trained??



You cannot train an old dawg.

I do not race the "modern" 16D boat anchors, and only use genuine 1960s Mabuchi FT16, FT16D and clones by Champion and Mura in genuine vintage cars of exacting reproductions, so I will not comment on the use of any machine or self-tapping screws for modern 16Ds.For the old vintage motors, only self-tapping # 1 screws with whatever head you choose work fine.

For the only motors I race nowadays, the FK and FK-size Falcons, TSR and Pro-Slot 4002s that all have a 2mm metric thread, I use two types:

1/ 2-56 hex-head, 1/8" long, that takes a bigger Allen wrench than the "standard" used on slot car wheels and gears.
2/ 2-56 button-head, for tight confines. I like these better because of their wider coverage of the retention area. Takes standard 0.050" wrench.

Why 2-56 in a 2mm thread? Because the slight interference stops the screw from backing up like a 2mm screw may or will do.
Why worry about that? Because I have seen it happen more than once, so the slight interference is a 100% inexpensive insurance policy.

[team burrito]

The FK motors use M2 screws with a 1.5mm hex socket. Most others use #2-56 or self-tapping screws with .050" hex socket, but they eventual strip out. These are the wrenches I generally use everyday.

[usadar]

http://www.microfasteners.com/catalog/products/METSBM.cfm

At this on-line store, you can get Button Head Socket Screws - Metric - Alloy Steel (SBM2003 M2 x .4 x 3mm $2.30 for 20 screws)


These screws are good for TSR D3 and Falcon 7 and you can use .050 gear and wheel wrench.


Hudy has a good 050 wrench with a longer tip for installing screws onto these motors.


Haruki

[TSR]

Most others use #2-56 or self-tapping screws with .050" hex socket, but they eventual strip out.

On which planet?

[Pablo]

Vince, I think most of your questions have been answered by some very smart people.
I'll add the following tidbits:

-Retro: Falcon 7, TSR, screws only, no solder needed. Put a drop of Permatex Threadlocker Blue on the threads if you use the M2 metric (correct) screws. Many people use the "wrong" thread screws, as PdL said, and in that case, no threadlocker is needed My personal preference is M2 metric Phillips head screws from a "slot car" source such as Chicagoland Raceway. PdL, Bill, and Fate advice is 100% correct, of course.
-Retro, Pro Slot 4002B, same thing, PLUS, solder it in. PdL told me the cans on the PS 4002B are not as stout as the cans on the TSR/F7 motors. So, I solder them on one side to the bracket.
-Vintage endbell drive 16D motors use 2/56. (Assuming the holes are not already stripped..)

How do I know all this stuff ? Because I read Slotblog, and I listen to the masters.
Plus, I crash my cars a lot when I race.....I know what works and what sux.......

[slotcarone]

Dokk is right about the 2-56 screws--they lock in the metric thread and NEVER strip or loosen up!!!!! They work in both the FK type motors and the Pro Slot motors although I recommend also soldering the Pro Slots to prevent bending the can on a side impact.

[eAddict]

Thanks for all the information.
I do hope you don't tire of too many questions.
I'll try to limit them to 1 a month or less

[smithspeedway]

Does anyone know the size of the Parma motor screws? Like the 484

 

Steve

[Mark Onofri]

In the 90's, there was a track very close to my house. I'm not sure what they were, or where the owners got them but,all cap screws are not created equal. I watched many people screw (literally) the armature.
I personally use 50/50 screws to mount my motors. It's available in 1# rolls. It's getting a little harder to get, but, a # last for years. However, I did find some very nice ss cap screws @ Spedies . They take a larger alen wrench than the wheels. Great for testing and, they seem to fit 36-D endbells without distortion.
Personally, I wouldn't trust them in a race.

[Bill from NH]

What are the 50/50 screws you mentioned? Something that goes in a particular screw gun? Can you post a photo of them? I'm still using a few self-tapping one from the late '60s. I don't still have many endbell-drive arms.

[Mark Onofri]

Here you go Billnh, it's not the 50/50 screws I normally use but, you get the picture.

Attached Images

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[slotcarone]

I am pretty sure the chassis and motor mounting screws from the kits in the '60's were 5-50. That could be what you mean.

[Bill from NH]

Oatey's liquid flux is good for chassis building. It'll work when soldering most metals other than aluminum.

 

Mike, when Mark mentioned 50/50 he never was referring to any screws. He was just being a W, A. 

[Mark Onofri]

😂

[smithspeedway]

JK motor screws say that a 1.5 mm wrench is needed. Is there an inch equivalent? I did the conversion, but it doesn't seem ti work out for the wrenches everyone already has.

 

Steve