Sophia Delgado
Pinewood Derby cars are a fun project for kids and adults alike. While building one, it's important to pay attention to the wheels and axles, as they play a crucial role in the car's speed. Preparing the wheels involves removing any excess wax or sealer, sanding, and polishing. In some cases, you may need to remove a wheel and axle to adjust the height of a raised wheel. This can be done using a toothpick or a specialised tool like the Pinewood Derby Axle Install and Wheel Remover. Properly prepared wheels can significantly boost the speed of your Pinewood Derby car.
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What You'll Learn
Sanding the wheel's tread edge
To sand the wheel's tread edge, start by using high-grit (1000) sandpaper. Spin the wheel with a drill while sanding the edge. It is important to not over-sand the wheel; only sand enough to remove the flashing. Be careful not to round over the edge of the wheel. Once you have finished sanding, use a wet paper towel or cloth to clean any remaining plastic and sandpaper particles from the wheel.
It is important to note that this is the only step in the process where sandpaper is used on the wheels. Overly aggressive sanding with multiple grits of sandpaper can be detrimental. Every hand drill and most drill presses have a fair amount of runout (wobble) in their chuck, which can be unintentionally transferred to the wheels during the sanding process.
If you are looking to further improve the speed of your Pinewood Derby car, consider lightening the wheels. Removing plastic from the inside of the wheels to make the tread as thin as possible will drastically improve the amount of potential energy converted to speed. Additionally, positioning the weight of the car so that the centre of gravity is 3/4 to 1 inch in front of the rear axles can enhance stability and speed.
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Removing excess wax/sealer
Removing excess wax or sealer is an important step in Pinewood Derby wheel preparation. The build-up of sealer in the wheel spokes can affect the speed of the car, so it is crucial to eliminate any foreign material from the polished surfaces.
To remove excess wax or sealer from the wheel spokes, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Ensure that the toothbrush is dry and free of any water. Gently brush away any built-up sealer, being careful not to scratch or damage the wheel surface. This step should be performed once the wax has cured, allowing for effective removal without affecting the finish of the wheel.
For a more precise and thorough cleaning, consider using cotton swabs or pipe cleaners. These tools can help reach narrower areas of the wheel spokes and remove any stubborn residue. It is important to be gentle during this process to avoid applying too much pressure, which could affect the wheel's integrity.
After removing the excess wax or sealer, conduct a final inspection of the wheels. Ensure that all traces of polish, wax, or lint from the polishing process have been eliminated. This step ensures that the wheels are ready for the next stages of preparation and will contribute to optimal performance during the race.
Additionally, remember to handle the wheels with care, especially after they have been polished and sealed or waxed. Polished wheels can be slippery, and dropping them can result in chipped edges, impacting the speed and appearance of the wheels. Lay a towel on your work surface to prevent the wheels from rolling off the table if they are accidentally dropped.
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Lowering a raised wheel
If your pinewood derby car has a raised wheel, you can lower it by following these steps:
Firstly, check if your car has a raised wheel by placing it on a flat surface and pushing it. If one of the wheels doesn't turn while the car is moving, then you have a raised wheel. Place your car on a flat surface and slide a toothpick that you've cut under the wheel. Cut off 1/2" from the small end of the toothpick and use that piece. If you don't have a flat toothpick, you can use a piece of string or small wire, or sand down a round toothpick to a thickness of 1/16".
Next, press down on both front corners of the car. If they do not move down, the toothpick is the correct thickness. If the side opposite the toothpick moves down, sand it to make it thinner. If the toothpick side moves down, you will need two toothpicks.
Now, remove the raised wheel and axle. Glue the toothpick(s) in the bottom of the slot, ensuring it doesn't quite reach the side of the block. Use a credit card to firmly press the toothpick into the slot and let it dry. Add another drop of glue in the slot about 1/4" from the block side.
Place the axle installer in the slot. If you don't have an axle installer, skip this step. Place the end of the axle 1/8" into the slot between the toothpick and axle installer. Press your thumb on the axle installer while inserting the axle to force it snug against the toothpick. The axle installer will raise up slightly. If you don't have an axle installer, push the axle straight into the slot just above the toothpick.
Finally, place the wheel on the axle installer base and slowly press down on the car block while holding your thumb against the axle installer to insert the axle into the slot. You may need to wiggle the block to ensure the axle goes in straight. Push the axle all the way in. The axle installer will automatically set the proper gap.
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Using a wheel and axle remover tool
The PRO Axle Remover/Inserter Tool is a handy tool that can be used to remove and insert Pinewood Derby axles without damaging the wheel, axle, or your fingers. The remover end is designed to fit under the axle head, making it easy to remove axles.
To use the tool, first, place the flat side of the tool on the wheel's edge. Then, press the tool until it is flush against the wheel. The tool will automatically gap the axle head away from the wheel. Next, advance the tool towards the centre of the derby wheel until you feel and hear a "click". This indicates that the wheel hub has set into the recess portion of the tool. Finally, gently pull the wheel out, ensuring that the tool remains against the entire wheel. This ensures even pressure is applied to the wheel hub and wheel edge, eliminating any deflection of the wheel.
The Pinewood Derby Axle Install and Wheel Remover tool is another option that can be used to remove and install axles. This tool is small enough to be manipulated with your fingers and strong enough to not break. To remove a wheel, place the flat edge of the tool against the pinewood wheel, with the angled side facing towards the body. Advance the tool towards the centre of the derby wheel until you feel and hear a "click". Then, gently pull the wheel out, ensuring that the tool remains against the wheel to eliminate any deflection.
The PRO Axle Puller and Inserter Tool is made from steel and has an easy-grip handle, making it durable and easy to use. The U-shaped slot of the Puller Tool is slid over or under the axle head, and the handle is used to grip the tool and gently pull the axle out. The Inserter end of the tool has a concave area that fits over the axle head, allowing you to push the axle in until it is firmly in place.
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Polishing the wheels and axles
Inspecting and Straightening Axles:
Begin by examining your axles for any flaws or defects. Replace any axles that are bent or damaged. To check for straightness, roll the axles on a flat surface or spin them in a drill. If you notice any wobbling, use a file or fine-grit sandpaper to straighten and smoothen them out, removing any burrs or crimp marks that can cause friction.
Polishing Compounds and Techniques:
You can use various polishing compounds and techniques to achieve a smooth and shiny finish on your axles. Start by using a file to remove any remaining burrs or imperfections. Then, cut an old T-shirt or light cloth into strips and spread a thin layer of polishing compound on the cloth. If using a vice or pliers, move the cloth back and forth over the axle for 15 seconds, turning the axle periodically to polish all sides evenly. You can also clamp the axle back into the drill and apply the polishing compound as the drill spins, which can make the process faster and easier.
Sandpaper Grits and Polishing:
After polishing with the compound, use wet/dry sandpaper to further smoothen and refine the finish. Start with a lower grit sandpaper, such as 400-grit, and gradually move to finer grits like 600, 1000, 1500, and even 2000-grit. Dip the sandpaper in water and sand the exposed portion of the axle while it rotates at high speed. Remember to polish under the axle head as well. Finally, you can finish the axle with a polishing compound like Mothers Alum Polish or diamond paste polishes for an ultra-smooth surface.
Wheel Polishing:
While specific steps for wheel polishing are scarce, some sources suggest that wheels can be polished using similar techniques as axles. You can use a handheld power drill to spin the wheels while applying polishing compound. Be careful when handling polished wheels, as they can be slippery, and a dropped wheel may chip, affecting its performance.
Additional Tips:
Remember to align your axles and wheels perfectly straight during installation. You can test their alignment by pushing your car across a smooth surface; it should roll in a straight line. Also, don't forget to add a dry lubricant, such as graphite, to your axles and wheels to reduce friction and improve performance.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a Pinewood Derby Axle Install and Wheel Remover tool. Place the flat side of the tool on the wheel's edge, with the angled side facing the body of the car. Advance the tool towards the centre of the wheel until you hear a "click", then gently pull the wheel out, maintaining even pressure on the wheel.
Start by addressing any flashing or burs on the wheel's tread edge, using high-grit sandpaper to gently sand and smooth the surface. Clean the wheel with a wet paper towel to remove any residue. Next, identify and select the straightest axles to reduce wobbling. Use a file or fine-grit sandpaper to remove small burrs and mould marks from the axles. Finally, apply graphite or another dry lubricant to the axles and wheels to reduce friction.
If your rules permit, it is advantageous to leave the car with three wheels touching the ground, as it will go faster. However, if your rules require all four wheels to touch the track, you can use a toothpick or a similar thin object to adjust the height of the raised wheel. Cut a toothpick to the appropriate thickness, place it under the wheel, and adjust the height by sanding if needed. Remove the wheel and axle, glue the toothpick in place, and reinsert the axle.
Yes, it is important to review the official rules and guidelines for your specific Pinewood Derby event. In some cases, there may be restrictions on modified or lightened wheels. It is also important to involve the participating child or scout in the construction process, with adult supervision focusing on safety and guidance.
While nails can be used as a temporary solution or for centering the wheel, it is generally recommended to use axles designed for Pinewood Derby cars. Nails may not provide a secure and stable connection, and they can also affect the wheel's alignment and performance.
