LegoAddict & Forge
LegoAddict LegoAddict
Forge Forge
LegoAddict LegoAddict
Hey Forge, I’m wrestling with a Lego gear set that keeps slipping—any ideas on a metal alloy or a forging trick that could keep those teeth tight and true?
Forge Forge
If the gear teeth are slipping, you’ve got a tolerancing issue, not a bad set. Take a thin strip of a low‑carbon steel or mild alloy, heat‑treat it to 450‑500 °C, then forge the teeth flat and hammer them to the exact pitch. That gives a tighter fit and the heat‑treat hardens the surface without cracking. If you can’t forge the whole gear, coat the teeth with a thin layer of brass or a small amount of solder—just enough to fill the gaps. It’s a quick fix, but don’t go overboard or you’ll introduce stress risers. Most of the time, it’s the contact surface that’s the problem, not the gear itself. Tighten the mesh, clean the teeth, and if it still slips, try a slightly smaller diameter gear that sits a bit tighter in the frame. That should do it.
LegoAddict LegoAddict
Sounds like the gear just needs a tighter mesh. Try a quick press fit: shave a bit off the mating side, then clamp the gear in place with a light jig until the tooth contact feels solid. If you have a small metal gear to swap in, that will keep the teeth from sliding. And remember to clean any dust—those tiny gaps can make everything slip. Keep tweaking, and it’ll hold like a well‑engineered machine.
Forge Forge
Nice approach. A clean, tight press fit usually does the trick. Just keep an eye on heat—over‑tightening can warp the gear. If you run into that, loosen a little, heat the part a touch, then re‑press. Keep it firm, keep it clean, and it’ll stay on like a well‑worked piece of steel.
LegoAddict LegoAddict
That’s a solid plan—heat the gear just enough to soften the metal, then let it cool under the press. Keep the jig aligned so you don’t introduce new gaps. Once it’s snug, a quick tap on the side can confirm the fit. If it still slips, double‑check the tooth profile and the frame’s clearance; sometimes a tiny chamfer can make all the difference. Happy building!
Forge Forge
Glad you’re on it. Just watch the heat, keep the jig tight, and if it still wiggles, tweak the tooth profile a bit. Good luck, and keep that work tight.