Each clutch is made up of two main parts. The main body of the clutch, is one part. Inside this body rotates a second part. Both of these parts have a socket in them that will accomodate a Vex shaft.
In the standard (pre-packaged) configuration one of these sockets has a short piece of shaft in it, which then sticks into the Vex motor or servo. The other socket in the clutch is left open, and the user can insert any Vex shaft.
When a clutch “pops” the inside cylinder will slip from the outside cylinder, and as such the two sockets will rotate seperately (or one will remain stationary, while the other rotates).
Both of these configurations will work.
If a clutch is functioning properly, you should hear a popping/clicking sound as significant shock load is applied.
Do the clutches really slip? In my experience, the motor stalls before the clutch slips.
**In some load applications, the motor will stall before the clutch slips; this is normal. The clutch is designed to slip when the torque load is significant enough to damage the internal motor gearing.
(We’ve witness countless clutches slip; every time it is a sign we need to re-gear something.)**
How do I keep Vex Shafts from slipping out of motor/servo clutches?
You need to use Vex Shaft Collars to trap the shaft, this may require you adjust your framing design. Using adhesives such as hot glue may also work, but this is not recommended as it may permanently damage the clutch.