Best way to rough up a smooth shaft for a plastic pinion gear?

[Michael C.]

I am wanting to install a plastic pinion gear on a slimline motor with a smooth shaft. Might anyone have some suggestions on the best way to rough up the smooth shaft prior to installing the pinion so that the hold can be secure?

[Dogsbody]

I use a pair of dykes to rough up the shaft. That sounds wrong in so many ways...

[Michael C.]

Thanks, I had to google the word to find out what kind of tool a dyke is. I believe I have one somewhere in the house so I'll have to go find it.

[ZackM]

I have also had good luck just pushing them on with some red loctite on the shaft after using a scrotch brite pad. Haven't had a problem yet!

Zack

[Michael C.]

Thanks also. I do have some Loctite red.

[War Eagle River]

A little rough up with some 220, then use some Loctite 271. Also know that there is a difference in the Loctite products. Red 262 is medium strength, 271 is high strength. But why use a plastic pinion?

[Michael C.]

Thanks, I want to use a plastic pinion to prolong the life of the plastic crown gear. The crown gear is a part of a MRRC Sebring chassis axle assembly.

[RichD]

I have never had to replace a worn crown gear, brass pinion gears actually wear out much faster.

[Fathead59]

I was going to comment on the dykes , but I will keep it to myself . And I figured using sand paper or Emory cloth to rough it up some , just for the locktite to bite on to .

[Fathead59]

I bought brass rod to use as axles for my 1/24 scale dragsters and had to reduce the diameter of the axle to fit the wheels . I used emory cloth , WD40 and my Dremel to do it

[Tuner28]

I use 220 grit paper, I clamp the other end of the shaft in a vise and then pull the 220 along the length of the shaft 3-4 times making sure I roughen the entire diameter. I then simply press the shaft into place with my gear press.
no need for any glues. I use this method on my 1/24 Scale Auto cars with zero failures.

[munter]

Thanks for this discussion....it made me think I should upgrade my aging pottle of Loctite 262.

On the shaft roughening topic...in the past I have heavily scored the shaft with sidecutters but these days just something that takes the shine off is enough. Sometimes I just dont bother and rely on the new clean shaft and the new clean pinion before adding some red stuff.

[WB2]

I’ve repacked the gears on a number of Sebring chassis and have had no issues with a pressed on plastic pinion.
If this car has a gray crown gear - get rid of it. They were problematical.