We are exciting to announce that a full range of aluminum hardware, including screws from 1/4" to 2", nuts, and tools, is now available at Robosource!
Hardware: https://www.robosource.net/51-alu-screws
Tools: https://www.robosource.net/44-slotted-drive-tools
Aluminum hardware is lightweight and inexpensive, yet still quite strong. While it is important to understand that aluminum screws can never be a complete replacement for steel in high stress areas, I’d estimate that about 80-90% of an average robot’s hardware including most structure can easily be aluminum, which adds up to significant weight savings (with pretty much no extra cost).
The screws are slotted drive, which works best with the properties of aluminum, but you can still use them in tight spaces with an offset key like this one. Also, VEX Steel structural parts are the perfect thickness for the slot, so you can make your own tools for super hard to reach spots.
And even if you’re not into aluminum but still want to save some weight, thin nylock nuts weigh about the same as keps nuts but still have the nylon locking insert we all love. They’re plated steel, so for all VEX robotics purposes they’re just as strong as thick nylock nuts. https://www.robosource.net/alu-screws/251-thin-nylock-nuts.html
