Attaching C-channel together

VEX V5 General Discussion Technical Discussion
#1

Hi
Sorry for the seemingly easy question but what’s the easiest wayt to attach c-channel together but with the c bit pointing in - like this:
image
Thanks

#2

Simplest is standoffs or a screw and white spacers. You could do it in other ways, but it depends on the specific case and how strong they need to attach.

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#3

stand offs is a great solution since it provides both rigidity and space efficiency. You’ll probably want to loctite them so it won’t ever come loose

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#4

Speaking of loctite, I recommend always putting white spacers or strong plastic washers on both ends of standoffs; it adds something that can compress to further hold in the screws, in addition to loctite, if you use it.

5 Likes
#5

Or you can use spacers 1in screw and a nylock

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#6

Thanks

#7

Thanks

#8

If you do use spacers you will need ones with an OD of less than .375”

4 Likes
#9

Thanks

#10

You can also take one of these C-Channel Coupler Gusset (8-pack) 276-2575, put it in lower channel, flat side up. Then you can drop some screws through and tighten up. But the use of 4 standards will give you a much better support.

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#11

Both my teams had a good bit of this last year. The metal stand offs tend to loosen. They had excellent results with a .5" spacer, bolt, and nylock nut. Stayed tight all year long. Yes I know loctite exists, but why use it if you don’t have to?

2 Likes
#13

Could you post a link or part number as I can’t seem to find the part…

#14

It’s just the plain .5" dark gray spacer that comes with the kit. Or you can use 2 of the .25" ones.

#15

https://www.vexrobotics.com/shafts-and-hardware.html is the page where they are at.

Scroll down to the bottom to find the spacers.

https://www.vexrobotics.com/shafts-and-hardware.html#Kit_Contents will tell you the contents of each spacer kit and which ones have 1/2 inch ones in them. And for what it’s worth the 4mm+8mm ones get you really close if you have them.

#16

Don’t forget Robosource.
If you’re looking for spacers, you can get a ton of them for a fraction of the price.
Just go to robosource and search up spacers. Be aware of the sizes though, I accidentally bought the wrong size :frowning:

1 Like
#17

Or just click this link! https://www.robosource.net/18-spacers-washers and pick what you need.

I love the robosource guys, they have the special parts that you didn’t think you needed until they offered to sell them to you.

and

https://www.robosource.net/37-high-strength-lock-bars-1x1-angle

Plus their sticker pack to keep motor and sensor cables organized.

3 Likes
#18

Wow, I never new abt this. Thanks I’ll check it out