Search Results

Nylock nuts contain a nylon insert that increases friction on the threads. Advantages: Resist loosening due to vibration Reliable for moving mechanisms Common in robotics assemblies Limitations: Nylon degrades under high heat Reuse is limited (los...

Rivets are permanent mechanical fasteners used to join materials, especially aluminum. Common sizes: 1/8 inch 3/16 inch Advantages Lightweight Fast installation Strong in shear applications Limitations Not removable without drilling out Req...

When to Use Use blue threadlocker when: Fasteners are exposed to vibration A joint must stay secure over time A Nylock nut is not practical Polycarbonate Warning Do not use threadlocker in contact with polycarbonate (Lexan) or other stress-sensitiv...

Rectangular aluminum extrusion is used in FRC to build robot frames and structural mechanisms. The strength, stiffness, and weight depend on both size and wall thickness. Common Extrusion Sizes 1" × 1" Small, lightweight structural member Used for mech...

Accurate measurement is critical in FRC fabrication. Small errors can cause misaligned parts and poor assembly fit. Reference Edge (Most Important Rule) Always measure from a consistent, known reference point. For FRC extrusion, this should be the factory-...

Accurate hole placement in FRC depends on using a consistent datum and properly marking drill locations before cutting. Using a Datum for Hole Layout A datum is a fixed reference edge used to measure all features from. For plates, the best datum is usuall...

Accurate layout work in FRC depends on clearly marking where cuts and holes will be made. Scribing and marking tools help create precise, repeatable reference lines before drilling or cutting. Pencil and Marker Used for general layout on metal and plates...

"Measure twice, cut once" What Is Tolerance? Tolerance defines how far a part can deviate from its intended dimension while still working correctly. Example: 10.000" ± 1/32" This means the part can be slightly larger or smaller and still be acceptable...

T-handles and wrenches are common hand tools used in FRC for installing and removing fasteners. Choosing the right tool improves speed, safety, and prevents damage to hardware. T-Handles T-handles are used with hex (Allen) fasteners and provide better torq...

Ratchets and sockets are common hand tools in FRC used for quickly tightening or loosening nuts and bolt heads. They are especially useful in tight spaces where a wrench cannot fully rotate. Ratchet A ratchet is a handle tool that allows continuous tighten...

Pliers and vice grips are gripping tools used in FRC for holding, bending, and temporarily securing parts. They are not primary fastening tools, but they are useful for support tasks during assembly. Pliers Pliers are hand tools used to grip, bend, or hold...

Deburring tools are used in FRC fabrication to remove sharp edges (burrs) created after cutting, drilling, or machining metal parts. Proper deburring improves safety, fit, and part durability. What Is a Burr? A burr is a sharp or rough edge left behind aft...

Clamps are holding tools used in FRC fabrication to secure parts together during assembly, drilling, or gluing. They act as temporary “extra hands” to keep parts aligned and stable. Why Clamps Are Used Clamps help: Hold parts in position during drilling...

Selecting the correct drill bit size is important for proper fastener fit, tapping, and hole accuracy in FRC fabrication. Common FRC Drill Bit Sizes Drill Bit Common Use #43 (0.089") Tap drill for 4-40 #36 (0.106") Tap drill for 6-32 ...

A pilot hole is a small hole drilled before the final hole size. Pilot holes improve accuracy and make larger holes easier to drill. Why Use a Pilot Hole? Pilot holes help: Keep the drill bit centered Reduce drill bit wandering Improve hole accuracy ...

Both drill presses and hand drills are commonly used in FRC fabrication. Choosing the correct tool depends on the accuracy, size, and location of the hole. Drill Press A drill press holds the drill bit perpendicular to the material and provides precise con...

Proper feed pressure and drill speed are important for producing clean holes, extending tool life, and improving safety. Feed Pressure Feed pressure is the amount of force applied while drilling. Apply steady, consistent pressure Let the drill bit do t...

Rivets are permanent mechanical fasteners commonly used in FRC for joining thin materials such as sheet metal and gussets to structural members. What Is a Rivet? A rivet is a fastener that permanently joins two or more materials by expanding inside a drill...

Blind rivets (also called “pop rivets”) are a common fastening method in FRC used to join materials when you only have access to one side of the joint. What Is a Blind Rivet? A blind rivet is a fastener that is installed from one side of the material using...

Blind rivets are a common fastening method in FRC used to join sheet metal, gussets, and extrusion when access is only available from one side. Two important factors when selecting rivets are size and grip range. 3/16" Rivets (Common FRC Size) 3/16" rivets...