Hello,
My team recently decided to try the HS gear kits on our robot. However, we have discovered the screws strip extremely easily. We use a small Phillips screwdriver and go slowly, but they still are round in no time. We have been cutting slots in them with a Dremel when they strip. Is there a better way to remove them?
Thanks!
Does HS gear kits mean The internal gears, or the green gears?
On the small screws on the back of the motors, try using a smaller screwdriver and pushing down towards the motor as hard as you can as you turn them. Else, the dremel trick works well
I think that they mean that they use the HS Green Gears which strips the internal motor gears.
+1 to this.
The right size screw driver can go a long way. Also, replacing the screws like mentioned in this thread can help a lot to.
https://vexforum.com/t/best-screws-opinions-wanted/27420/1&highlight=motor+screw&page=2
You need a #1 phillips. Do not try to use any other size. Not all “small” screw drivers are #1.
The ones that come with the motors are crap. Once you get them off throw them the heck away and replace them with better screws. I bought good ones from McMaster Carr…they are great. The pitch of the screw is technically slightly different…it seems to be impossible to find the exact same screw. They work great though. Just don’t over tighten them, it’s easy to strip the plastic threads in the motors out.
Go to www.mcmaster.com and search for these part numbers.
Regular Motor Cap Screws
Part # 92005A033
Box of 100
$3.67
IME Motor Crap Screws
Part #92005A037
Box of 100
$4.13
If you don’t have one, here is a part# for a #1 phillip’s screwdriver.
Part # 5682A27
$3.45
I prefer the socket head screws and stop this phillips head screw stripping all together. A good #0 phillips head screwdriver will help not strip the screws but by do they strip easily.
Use M2 10mm long screws for the normal motor cover 16mm for the long ones I think. You will need a 1.5mm hex wrench.
10mm
http://www.mcmaster.com/#91292A833
16mm
[McMaster-Carr
You can get them elsewhere too and probably for cheaper shipping.](McMaster-Carr)
Just a note…
The screws I referred too require a #1 phillip head. Also, I have found them to be very tough. We have had zero issues this year with even a single one of them stripping.
I think your idea of using hex socket cap style screws is good also…but just wanted to let people know that the standard Phillip screws from McMaster Carr are very good and have given us no problems this year.