CIM-Sim with RS550

[Thad House]

Today we powered up our shooter, which is powered with a CIM-Sim attached to 2 rs550's. Because the shaft is not knurled, we used red loctite to hold the pinions on the motor shaft, which was suggested here a few weeks ago. Problem is we shot about 5 balls and then one of the pinions flew right off the motor. Does anyone have any ideas on what to do to solve this issue, or what other teams have done?

[waialua359]

Loctite wont work as you already experienced.
Try using a retaining compound.
Face the gear downward while applying so that it doesnt get on the shaft and onto the motor (otherwise it may seize). Although it dries in about an hour, we waited 24 hours to make sure it cures.

We've run countless times with no problems so far.

[James Tonthat]

Green loctite will probably do you better.

McMaster P/N 91458A340

[Thad House]

what type of retaining compound. we were using red loctite. would green be any better then that?

[waialua359]

Sorry, forgot to post the item description. We got ours from Grainger.

Retaining Compound
Item no: 4KM29
Customer Part No.:

1 EA $18.86 $18.86

[billbo911]

Red Loctite is a thread locking compound. It is not designed, or formulated, to act as a retaining compound. As mentioned above, "green" Loctite is formulated specifically for this purpose.
We have exactly the same CimSim and dual RS550's. We used Loctite 609. It is working flawlessly. It's a bit expensive, $17.00 for a 10ml bottle. But you only use a drop or two at a time.

Just make sure you heed waialua359's warning. If the stuff seeps into the motor bushing on the output shaft, kiss the motor good-by.

[Hawiian Cadder]

We use a vice with a diamond grip pattern to mess up the shaft on the RS550, then we press the gear on. Its not an exact science but it has worked flawlessly for us.