I rececently purchased the parts to construct a “spider” hexapod and am having troubles keeping the parts bolted together after a short period of movement. Does any one have tips as to keeping a tight connection between servo mounts? Also is there a way of removing the servo without damaging the tabs used to keep them in place? I bough extra but it would be nice to be able to remove the servos to tighen bolts without having to destroy parts to do so.
Thanks!
Mark K
I am not familiar with the erector set but on any high vibration parts I typically use a dab of lock-tight which is available at many stores.
Make sure you get Blue Loctite. From the looks of the pics, those screws are really tiny and Red would be way too much!
If you are referring to the round tubing and the hub connectors. You simply have to crank the 4-40 screws down tight. Don’t expect to do this with a screw driver style tool. Instead use an Allen wrench, the tool that looks like an “L”. Then you will be able to apply enough torque to make sturdy assemblies. When tightened down properly the assembly will not loosen. This will not cause any damage to the parts. They are designed to be used this way. If you are referring to the 2-56 hardware used to connect the brackets together, you may not be tightening them down tight enough. Just apply more torque when assembling.
You can use Loc-tite, but it is not required, and may make dissassembly later difficult if you decide to change your design.
I assume you are referring to the rivot fasteners. I use a small flat blade screw driver and push on the middle part from the rear. It is pretty effortless doing it this way and they can be used over and over.
From HiTec’s servo FAQ
Q. Can I use loctite with my Karbonite gears?
A. It has come to the attention of the Hitec Product Service Department that some customers owning Hitec’s KARBONITE gear servos are using thread locking compounds on the servo horn screws. Thread locking compounds such as the popular Locktiteâ„¢ brand, are for use with METAL to METAL fasteners.
USING A THREAD LOCKING COMPOUND ON KARBONITE GEAR SERVOS WILL CAUSE THE PLASTIC TO FAIL.
Thread locking compound instructions typically warn against their use on plastics, as most plastic material will become brittle and shatter. If you or any of your friends have used thread locking compounds on plastic / KARBONITE geared servos, please cease using them immediately and contact a Hitec dealer for a replacement gear set.
Well, if your concern is more geared towards keeping the pieces together, rather than the ease of getting them appart again, I’d suggest using superglue. I had two brackets of my biped scout in which the bolts would always become loose. A drop of superglue on the nut did the trick. When I took it appart, I needed to use a pair of pliers as well as the allen wrench, but they came appart cleanly.
