Never Do This, and Other Good Ideas Gone Bad

[Tristan Lall]

Originally Posted by Brandon Holley

I really dislike the way the FTC kit handles transmitting power through the shafts with setscrews, amongst many other things in the kit. However, given the minibot rules and such, I'm sure many teams are going to be pigeon-holed into using the set screw solution.

Another stopgap measure (if you can't take advantage of any alternatives, and need to use the setscrews) is to carefully centerpunch and drill a small indentation in the shaft, for the setscrew to sit in. (Alternatively, you can file a flat on the shaft.) When combined with some purple or blue Loctite (on the screw threads only; not on the shaft!), this will generally make an acceptable joint. It's still going to be limited, but it's just about the best you can do.

(Occasionally, wrapping something around the hub to keep the setscrew from falling out when it loosens can be marginally useful. It won't transmit power with a screw loose, but at least you won't have to hunt for the screw.)