How-to Build Custom Links - Crawler Basics

[@shaunshaunk9297]

Love going back and watching the older videos.

[@keyelectric91]

I know this is an old video but things still work! I have found a couple other ways to help but probably the best is I use a heat gun to soften the rod ends a little which makes threading them for the first time super easy (wear gloves if handling it) and I have a body saw that cuts the all thread in about 5 seconds and it makes a thin clean cut also if you install a nut on the all thread before cutting then remove it after cutting the threads will straighten out nicely.

[@bambammrc]

Deffinetly cool that someone with your skill and tooling is still making videos for people new to our hobby and with limited tools. That sir is why you have one of the best rc channels on youtube. Keep it up man.

[@shadenphoenix]

Thanks for this. I've been asking around for a few months and somebody finally linked this video. Good to know!

[@moparphil6987]

Awesome video.Between your work and the radio show,I'm practically filled in on anything scalers related.Keep it up

[@TheRCNetwork]

Wow, Harley! Great vid. Very detailed explanations to custom links.

[@mudguyRC]

I think I choose door number one. Another great video Harley and I'm really glad you take care of the beginners. Someday soon I really want to try to build a truck. The Matzilla chassis looks great. Take care!

[@charvelgaming2975]

Very cool instructional video. This will be very helpful when I get my crawler going. Thanks for your channel Harley !!

[@bartdshivers]

Great vid Harley! I haven't tapped aluminum before, but from my experience with tapping steel... you may want to explain the tapping prodecure... not to just keep turning it down, but to back it out occasionally so not to strip the threads you’re tapping.

[@matthewchin6454]

I think it's one turn forward, 1/4 turn back to break the chip. When cutting steel with a wheel, you might as well direct the spray of sparks away from your face.

[@RCBashist]

Huge thanks! I've been thinking about making solid, one-piece links for my Wraith for a while, and you use the same method I was planning on using. Thanks again!

[@98brunk]

I saw you touched on this method of using a drill, as a sort of lathe. A simple jig to hold drill and chuck the round stock works great to turn down ends, i just use emery cloth and check size with calipers as i go. No as exact as a lathe but she will do the job

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

ChadwickTheRCAddict You don't need bent rod ends, Revo rod ends will accommodate the bend just fine.

[@dwight4923]

I learn something new everyday... Thank you

[@jalamont1]

How about a video on bending links ? Great info in this video

[@vampcaff]

I have access to a lathe but tried option 3 using a bench motor and flat file and it worked just fine. Sometimes it's just a pain in the ass to go over to the lathe, yet when you do it feels so good. Haha

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

Absolutely! I've even seen it done with a drill press. But I'll leave all those option for the people that are clever and handy. People who are determined will always find a way to make it happen.

[@MrJohnny2thumbs]

Awesome video josh, you make some of the best how to or DIY video's

[@ClayCrawler75]

About how much would the average mini lathe be. Like the third method the best. I have used the first method on steering links and have broken or bent them yet. I am using SS threaded rod inside the sleeves. Thanks for all the great tips.

[@Stealthfoams]

what brand and how much was that lathe i need a small one

[@ferp420]

you don't need a laith to turn down the ends of the rod you can use a drill and a file it might take some practice but if works

[@funshootin1]

ferp420 yup, Chuck the tube in your drill or drill press and as its spinning you can hold a file to it or a spinning dremel cutoff or drum.. been doing it for years to cut screws to length, dressing the ends if small tubing. . I use a 4.5 angle grinder most of the time but it's like an appendige

[@Onebrokedrone]

So is it 8/32 rod or 6/32???? Two different things being mentioned. I ordered what you said we shall see

[@ratkillaummuguma420]

Great video Harley. I made all the links for my xr10 using the second method. But I used 3mm set screws with the stock axial rod ends and traxxas rod end balls. The traxxas balls fit perfect and allow for a lot more flex than the stock axial balls. A life saver of a tool for this method came from "crawler innovations". There "link drill guide set by JeepinDoug" works great for centering up the holes.

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

Yes, the drill bushings are very nice. I used to have one but it has gone long time lost by now. I actually forgot all about it after going away from that method quite awhile ago.

[@chadwick228]

hey im trying the first method. but the rod ends for my ax10 deadbolt need to be on an angle/ everyone is saying that i need Revo rod ends but there not angled/ Any suggestions?? should i just get the angled ones from Axial and replace the revo ones/

[@thesickhorseranch]

I was confused because you do say 8/32 several times in the video but your link to the all-thread takes you to a stick of 6/32

[@eje0100]

Do you suggest using stainless threaded rod also to increase it's strength?

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

If you have easy access to stainless threaded rod than that would help. I can't say I've seen much of that available locally.

[@eje0100]

Harley Designs Cool thanks!

[@RCGIGSportugal]

Simple & Easy explaining methods

[@unidentifiedbomb]

What size threaded rod and sleeve did you use?

[@BK33REVIEWS]

How thick is the walls of the stainless steel tubing

[@BrockM1357]

On my wraith the top links are bent, do I need to bend the new ones to match old ones?

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

In order to clear the driveshafts, yes.

[@BrockM1357]

Thanks

[@BeardyTomTom]

I have a question about building links, how can I contact you?

[@luizfernandodasilvasouza9470]

good night I was wondering what kind of saw that you use and what model and the monkey of this model in the video

[@stephencraig8578]

Can you use those rod ends for a 5th scale crawler?

[@jeremyp7032]

What size and material type tubing did you use?

[@fromfin90]

thanks for the video! currently waiting for parts to make new links to my kit

[@SpsTamiya]

which cutoff wheel for the dremel are you using ?

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

It is the version that works with the quick lock. Best cut off wheels I've used in a dremel.

[@SpsTamiya]

on my buy list now , i've use up way too many of the smaller wheels

[@wordreet]

My preferred method is to use aluminium rod with drilled and tapped the ends. But I like to experiment all the time, so I would prefer to be able to alter the length of the link by adding a nut or some washers or something, and locking the ball pivot link back on to that.

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

Aluminum is definitely easy to work with but can be a little weak for links if you’re hard on your truck or use big power. Definitely a. Easy solution though.

[@wordreet]

@@HarleyDesignsInc 6mm ally rod with M4 threads is probably strong enough for my crawler.

[@rcsworldofrcs]

great tip! it's alway's good to save $ any way you can in this hobby thumbs up bud I enjoy watching your how to video's.I try to build or fab stuff now that I have a few good tool's,so it's nice to see how thing's are done before I waist material trying to figure it out!

[@snap_fit8686]

Hello ,, For extending wheelbase beside a longger links i also need a longger drive axel right ?

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

Depends on how far you decide to stretch it, but often times it will.

[@fatroofus]

What size inner diameter stainless steel tube is that?

[@115chandler1]

Hey man. I really like these links! BUT i dont have any of the tools to make them. Is there any way you could maby send me some? Please reply. Thank you.

[@Polecat54941]

This was a totally excellent video and told me exactly what I needed to know! thanks for making it :)

[@DeezTricky]

Harley. I know you said there are other methods besides a lathe for option3. You think I could turn it down close with a bench grinder? I've considered making them that way but I didn't know if there is something I'm missing there. I might just try it anyway. I love to experiment.

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

A grinder would be pretty tough, but nothing is impossible. I would try to chuck it in a drill personally.

[@aussiedigger1441]

Thanks for sharing. Need to fit my new Killerbody lc70

[@mitznu8085]

wish I seen this before I ordered new links..thanks for video..subscribe

[@raincityrc]

Great vid Josh.

[@sammyvandezon]

what was the size of the tubing that you put over the all thread thanks

[@sammyvandezon]

Wait nvm

[@blankcharlie1]

What tube chassis is that? If it’s custom do you have plans for it?

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

Yes it is custom, it's my Woods Runner. Plans are on my website.

[@AdamEverythingRC]

what chassey is that and do you have a link? thanks

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

It's a chassis I built myself.

[@JimiGRCrazy]

Thanks for the tips they will come in handy Liked and subscribed

[@Cursed_jimny_4x4uk]

Can you not get exterior hand taps rather than a lathe??? Because that would be much easier

[@ssamssamssamsson]

What make and model is your Lathe?

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

It is an Excel 7”x14” I believe but I can’t 100% recall without looking it up

[@AnythingVG]

Your work is amazing

[@Yo-mamashouse]

In the video you said 8/32 tap but your link is to 6/32 rod .witch size is correct?

[@pallidbustofpallas4679]

I noticed the same thing. The ID of the stainless tube in the link should handle as much as 10-32 though that may be too large for the ends. 8-32 is probably best

[@jonforts]

I dont find the numbers for the revo ends? have you forgotten it? JPF from RCC

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

#5347

[@jareddrover1018]

Harley Designs wow that is a great video one question would u run your sleeved links over vanquish brand

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

Jared Drover definitely not. A sleeved link is not as strong as a titanium link.

[@jareddrover1018]

Wow fast response thank u your axial wraith video the budget build is great I've done all the free or inexpensive stuff to it so far then I came across the link video and had to ask before I bought them I liked ur integy comment on facebook

[@pongasiong]

what size of threaded rod did you use?

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

+Jay ar Zamora 8-32 all-thread

[@pongasiong]

+Harley Designs thank you

[@puffNtough760]

just did these a week ago! LOL neeed a how to bend vid!

[@2cwik4u104]

great vid Harley. very informative. new subscriber here. seen you on mudguy.

[@denisehoshor5298]

Hi. Bought everything on your links and realized the all thread you mention is 8/32 and the link is for 6/32. Just in case you want to change that to be accurate.

[@jonforts]

thank you Josh!

[@rileyletik9710]

I can't find a length of that thin threaded rod

[@dangavin]

I got an entire replacement set of rod ends for a trx 4 for 6 bucks

[@MrMrsregor]

i used all thread and put heat shrink over it to cover the exposed threads

[@HarleyDesignsInc]

+MrMrsregor all thread is fairly weak, so sleeving it with a material that adds strength is important.

[@Aykutreyes]

Sorry I have to ask because it does not seem that many people are buying the like button, how much does it cost to use it?

[@DADDYJAMES843]

very cool Harley

[@TrailAddict.]

The revo rod ends are part #5347

[@whitenoise707]

Good video harley

[@joedirttae9152]

Use tiger paw to put taper on end of all thread.

[@ScorchinScooter]

Perfect!! Thanks!

[@robertmartin4135]

The all-thread links to 6-32, but in the video you mention 8-32. Once it got delivered (6-32) I found that the all thread rattled around in the tube. I just ordered it in stainless 8-32: www.amazon.com/Super-Corrosion-Resistant-Stainless-Steel-Threaded-Thread/dp/B0719J9LY6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522794082&sr=8-2&keywords=Super-Corrosion-Resistant+316+Stainless+Steel+Threaded+Rod%2C+8-32+Thread+Size%2C+1+Foot+Long

[@habiks]

Better to not tap the plastic as you remove it. You can always tighten a screw more tightly (without stripping) if you don't tap it, but just let screw reshape the hole.

[@RCCrawlerWorkbench]

Excellent video. Liked/Subscriber Thanks!!!!

[@capitaldeerc2206]

Awesome Video Thanks

[@aaronpangle2185]

No pipe cutter? Cool techniques though.

[@00godlovesus]

Inspiring! Thanks:)

[@TheChillBison]

Why not just smash the end of the rod into an eyelet and file it round instead of doing anything with threading into a plastic eye?

[@effinchet6228]

Great vid ,very helpful but ummm 8/32's ?? No sir, it is 8-32 which is an 8 Guage diameter with 32 threads per inch. By saying 8/32's you are actually implying that the outside diameter of the tap is 1/4 of an inch as 1/32 equals .0312 and 8 x .0312 = .2496 inches. All S.A.E. (non metric) threads below 1/4 of an inch are stated as guages followed by the thread pitch (ie. 4-40, 6-32, 8-32) and so on. Hope this helps

[@Pedar01]

Awesome... Thanks

[@RaymondBurdinecustomvynil]

very cool

[@chris81983]

Nice video thanks

[@riff-raff]

thanks harley good work. Riff_Raff

[@lynnburgundy1015]

Thanks

[@RobertBoissoneau-s8n]

Bro ,,, you said beginners and you come out with a tube chassis. How about links to upgrade a rtr crawler " simple"

[@rileyletik9710]

Idk what happend there I said I can not find

[@dylaneagleton3090]

I have access to a professional fabrication shop LUCKY ME ☺️