RCU Review: Hexcrews Hex Heads Armor Plated

 RCU Review: Hexcrews Hex Heads Armor Plated Screws More On This Product
Research Airplanes Research Boats Research Cars Research Helicopters Research Engines & Motors Research Radio Equipment Contributed by: Eric Hege | Published: January 2006 | Views: 33164 |
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As you read this review, you might think to yourself "why write a review on a screw kit? Isn't any old screw good
enough?" The answer is maybe, if you're a minimalist, and could care less about what advantages better screws
may offer.
There are several companies out there offering aftermarket screw sets for the various vehicles you'll encounter on
the market today. These sets vary in their characteristics and properties, with some being better suited for some
applications than others. A good example of this is the fact that stainless steel offered some advantages in
corrosion protection, but suffered the disadvantage of being softer than hardened black oxide screws.
I've personally been a fan of hardened black oxide screws myself, but am well aware of the fact moisture can cause
them to rust or corrode. At first you might be tempted to say that your vehicle is only used at the track, why should
protection from moisture even matter to you? After all, it's not like you're running in the mud or snow. That's a valid
point, until you consider the fact that most tracks see a lot of water during the course of a race. The same water
that helps make the track's dirt tacky, can make your screws rust.
With that in mind the guys at Hexcrews began thinking. How could they make their popular lineup even more
appealing? The answer, a zinc/nickel based alloy coating on their popular screw kit lineup. This coating would allow
them to continue to offer the durability of their hardened black oxide screws, which boast more strength than even
titanium, but yet provide protection from the elements as well.
I have to admit though, when I was first approached about this review I tried to stack the deck against Hexcrews a
little. It would be easy to use one of their kits as replacements from a basic stainless steel set included with many
models. Instead, I opted to review a set intended for the Traxxas Revo. Why you ask? Well, since the Revo already
comes with some good hex head hardware from the factory, I would have to look harder for reasons to upgrade the
screws on the Revo. Everyone knows the advantages of a hex head vs. a Phillips head, so I wanted to focus on
other things the screw set might have to offer.
Hits Misses Resists Corrosion
Hardened Black Oxide Strength
Attracted To Magnets
Machine Threads
Also Receive Spares
None
The Hex Head AP (Armor Plating) conversion set from Hexcrews is a complete set of screws for the intended
application. You'll find each size separated in a small resealable bag that's labeled for easy identification. Each
screw is plated with a mix of zinc and nickel, providing a very nice looking and attractive finish. This plating provides
tough resistance to the elements. So tough, in fact, that Hexcrews boasts the screws are twice as corrosion
resistant as cadmium plated parts used by the U.S. military.
Rocker
Transmission
I set out replacing the screws in my Revo and, after reading some of
the benefits, I knew just where I wanted to start. On my Revo, one of
the screws for the front left-hand side rocker doesn't stay in place
anymore. The threads have become worn, and during the last race I
ran the screw had nearly backed itself out as the pushrod moved the
rocker back and forth.
Hexcrews claims the plating makes for a tighter fit, and I thought this
may be just the thing to cure my woes. So I started with this rocker,
and noticed the screw did indeed fit into position with a more snug fit
that the stock screw. Later, as I drove the truck, I kept an eye on this
trouble area and noticed that the screw did indeed stay tightened
down. While I'll still pick up a new set of rockers for the race season
next year to be safe, my little experiment showed that the screws
themselves do offer a tighter fit.
While working on the truck, I noticed how well the screws worked with
Shock Tower
What's Included In The Revo Kit Flat Head 2x8mm (5)
Flat Head 3x10mm (5)
Flat Head 3x12mm (10)
Flat Head 3x15mm (5)
Socket Cap 3x6mm (20)
Socket Cap 3x10mm (40)
Socket Cap 3x12mm (15)
Socket Cap 3x15mm (25)
Socket Cap 3x20mm (5)
Socket Cap 3x25mm (5)
Socket Cap 3x30mm (5)
Socket Cap 3x35mm (5)
Socket Cap 4x6mm (5)
my Hudy hex drivers. They fit the tips very snug, providing a positive
hold on the screw as I ran it into place. I also appreciated the fact that
the screws where still able to be picked up by a magnet, as a couple
of times I dropped a screw into a hard to reach area. The magnet
allowed me to fish the screw out with minimal effort, where aluminum
screws would not have this characteristic. In fact, stainless steel and
titanium screws lack this ability as well. If you've ever fumbled and
dropped some screws during a late-night wrenching session, you can
certainly appreciate this characteristic of the Hexcrews kit. After all,
underneath the zinc and nickel plating, the screw is still a tough as nail
black oxide fastener at heart.
Socket Cap 4x10mm (15)
Socket Cap 4x12mm (5)
Socket Cap 4x14mm (15)
*Other kits will vary as to their exact
contents.
You may notice that the Revo set doesn't include any button head screws, while the stock Revo set does.
Hexcrews avoids the use of button head screws, and substitutes socket head screws in their place. The reason is
the fact that button head screws are typically used to provide a more finished look, at the expense of reduced
strength in clamping force. In addition the socket depth is reduced as well, decreasing the surface area for the hex
driver to grip which in turn increases the chances of the head stripping. Both of these drawbacks are a result of less
material on the screw's head, and are cured by the substitution of socket head screws.
Along the same line of thought Hexcrews uses machine threaded screws as well, avoiding self-tapping screws.
While none of the stock Revo hardware uses self-tapping screws, this is something that bears mentioning due to
other vehicles utilizing them. Self tapping screws have fewer threads which results in less surface area contacting
the part in which it's screwed into. This results in less tension and a screw that is more likely to back out. The finer
threads of machine screws offer the exact opposite trait, and provide a much more securely tightened fastener.
Following the screw swap, I took the Revo out and beat on it at the local track on several occasions. The strength of
the Hex Head AP screws shone through as they held up well. Even after several wrenching sessions on areas of
the truck, the heads themselves showed virtually no wear, and provided a good surface for my hex drivers to grip
into. The fact that these screws are heat-treated to a Rockwell hardness of 43 helps in this aspect, which is
something that stainless steel kits simply can't offer. If you're looking for strength, the Hexcrews Hex Heads AP
delivers the mojo they promise!
If you're looking for a good replacement screw set, or just want a good
stock of spares to have on hand, the Hexcrews Armor Plated screws
should be a primary consideration. They offer substantial benefits over
even basic hex head screws that may be included with your model,
and definitely surpass the cheap Phillips head screws that are
included with many models. Their strength far surpasses other options
out there, and the heads resist wear associated with normal
maintenance. If you're looking for an elite set of screws to match your
elite ride, then look no further than Hexcrews.
Contact Information
Hexcrews
1830 Birch Drive
Lewiston, Idaho 83501 USA
Website: www.hexcrews.com
Comments on RCU Review: Hexcrews Hex Heads Armor Plated Screws
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The comments, observations and conclusions made in this review are solely with respect to the particular item the editor reviewed and may not apply
generally to similar products by the manufacturer. We cannot be responsible for any manufacturer defects in workmanship or other deficiencies in
products like the one featured in the review. EMAIL THIS ARTICLE OR CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT REVIEWS!
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