AndyMark 3/8-16 x 7 Hex Head Bolt bending

[bardd]

Originally Posted by SuperNerd256

This part: http://www.andymark.com/product-p/am-1055.htm

We use these all the time. They're really robust, in 2011 6 of them held the weight of our entire max-weighted robot for nearly a year and never complained, but they do bend. I'm pretty sure we don't have a single one of these that is completely straight.
Don't be too alarmed though, most of these bends are unnoticable to the untrained eye (maybe a degree or two).

[Jenn Feathers]

We had one bend almost immediately, It was a pain to get out.

[MrBasse]

Those bolts are good, but they will bend, our Logomotion bot bent all 6 and then 6 more in one season... and it only weighed 84 pounds.

The biggest issue, is that once they bend they are incredibly difficult to remove for replacement. Ours bent to the point where they caused our wheels to wobble and started throwing chains. We use grade 8 bolts now and have had no problems.

[MrForbes]

Originally Posted by MrBasse

The biggest issue, is that once they bend they are incredibly difficult to remove for replacement.

That's the problem...then you get to call in a back up robot and watch the finals from the sidelines. BTDT

[George C]

Try replacing them with socket head shoulder screws aka stripper bolts.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#shoulder-screws/=jintlq

[rbrown1]

To help in identifying ANSI Graded Bolts. Grade 2 will have no markings on the head other than possibly manufactures code. Grade 5 bolts will have 3 tic/line marks on the head. Grade 8 bolts will have 6 tic/line marks on the head of the bolt.

[Gdeaver]

The kit frame axle bolts have always been a problem. On past teams that I mentored that used the kit frame, we always swapped out the kit bolts for a real grade 8 bolt. Beware that there is a problem with counterfeit bolts all over. Buy from a reputable supplier. Mcmaster would be one. In 2006 the drivers liked to get up on the platform and give the robot full throttle to launch the robot in the air. I tried to discourage this, but the bolts and frame took it.