Z-axis Coupler Too Tight

[DonHanson]

Hello,

The first Z-axis coupler slid right on the 18" threaded rod easy as can be, but the second one won't thread on no matter what I try.

I've repeated loosened the all four screws. Tried threading on two 1/4 washers and tightening them against each other, then attempted to thread Z-coupler on using an open socket wrench to turn the threaded rod. Went so far as to try gently tapping the Z-coupler onto the threaded rod. No luck.

Any suggestions? (yes, I'm using the larger diameter hole side of it)

Thanks,
Don

 

[GORDON.LAPLANTE]

Don,

Make sure to loosen the set screws in the couplers. Each coupler has a set screw as well as the 'tightening' screw. If the set screw is not loose you will not be able to get the rod in as I learned when I was first testing them.

 

[DonHanson]

Hi Gordon,

I took all four screws completely out but it still does not fit. Also tried prying it open a little by inserting flat screwdriver head into the split side while tapping rod in w/ rubber mallet, to no avail.

Any suggestions, or can I get another z-axis coupler?

 

[DonHanson]

What are the inner diameters of the z-axis couplers? (5mm and 6.5/7mm?)
Can I ask where you sourced them?

Broker out my digital caliper and confirmed this one is not quite 6.3mm inner diameter.

After a little Googling found a couple suppliers (AdaFruit, Kuuco) of 1"x0.75" outer dimension flexible couplers but not sure what inner diameters are needed.

I thought remember seeing a parts listing for the gMax but I'm having trouble finding it now. (saw the printed part sub-forums)

Thanks!

 

[DonHanson]

*non-printed parts list please!

 

[juliatruchsess]

I had exactly the same experience - one fit easily, the other one no way. I drilled it out. Well ok, my husband drilled it out - he says he backed the screws out and then clamped the coupler in a vise so it wouldn't spread while being drilled.

julia

Hello,

The first Z-axis coupler slid right on the 18" threaded rod easy as can be, but the second one won't thread on no matter what I try.

I've repeated loosened the all four screws. Tried threading on two 1/4 washers and tightening them against each other, then attempted to thread Z-coupler on using an open socket wrench to turn the threaded rod. Went so far as to try gently tapping the Z-coupler onto the threaded rod. No luck.

Any suggestions? (yes, I'm using the larger diameter hole side of it)

Thanks,
Don

 

[DonHanson]

Good to know. If the two 5mm/6.35mm couplers arriving next week don't do the trick, then I'll use them for drilling practice!

I had exactly the same experience - one fit easily, the other one no way. I drilled it out. Well ok, my husband drilled it out - he says he backed the screws out and then clamped the coupler in a vise so it wouldn't spread while being drilled.

julia

 

[GORDON.LAPLANTE]

What are the inner diameters of the z-axis couplers? (5mm and 6.5/7mm?)
Can I ask where you sourced them?

Broker out my digital caliper and confirmed this one is not quite 6.3mm inner diameter.

After a little Googling found a couple suppliers (AdaFruit, Kuuco) of 1"x0.75" outer dimension flexible couplers but not sure what inner diameters are needed.

I thought remember seeing a parts listing for the gMax but I'm having trouble finding it now. (saw the printed part sub-forums)

Thanks!

Hi Don,

We use openbuilds 1/4" x 5mm couplers. Its possible in our batch order other ones may have been mixed in. That's all I can think of. After reviewing their website they appear to have been removed and we are inquiring.

 

[DonHanson]

The 5mm x 6.35mm shaft couplers from 3DMakerWorld.com worked just fine. Several other sites carry them as well.



One difference is there is no vertical slice through the top and bottom sections so all four screws touch the rod, instead of two touching directly on rod and two tightening the upper and lower metal bands.

In any case they work fine.