YOUR INPUT IS ENCOURAGED: Through Drilled Screws

Dave,

Sounds like a winner to me. A simple solution to a nagging problem.

Interesting solution, as long as the hole is chamfered to minimize wear on the wire passing through, it should be a nice solution to the issue.

 

On my upper loop I use 1/2" pvc disguised as a drain pipe to run my wires through

The only possible issue I can see is the insulation rubbing through as the truck turns. I've seen this on wires that lay against the motor in a locomotive. As the truck turns, the motor turns with it, and rubs the insulation. Would it be structurally sufficient to use a nylon screw?

Don

I would secure the wires in the hole with liquid insulation.
Using ultra flexible multi strand wire and it should last a lifetime. Or at least till the end of mine.
Silicone sealant would also work.

The screw will be chamfered at both ends. Plus, you should use some clear RTV to
keep the wire from turning in the screw.
Dave, LBR

> On April 18, 2015 at 1:46 PM O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum
> <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

There ya go ;o)
Dave, LBR

> On April 18, 2015 at 3:32 PM O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum
> <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

An 8-32 screw has a minor diameter of 0.124". A reasonable size hole through the screw would be 0.063" Diameter resulting in a remaining 0.03 wall thickness. An AWG 24 insulated wire has an outside diameter of 0.059". AWG 24 is a very fragile wire gauge. A larger diameter screw would be better. If the screw must be an 8-32, then use a steel screw to make it rugged.

I agree with Bobby Ogage that a thicker wall would be better.  Otherwise a good idea.

.....

Dennis

We use stranded 26 AWG wire which is more than large enough to power anything
that a person would want to power usually in a caboose.
Dave, LBR

> On April 18, 2015 at 5:12 PM O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum
> <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

Bobby & Dennis,

If you were to use, "normal" wire w/plastic insulation I can understand your concerns.

This why I always use multi-strand, "Super-Flex" wire for wiring pickup rollers and the like. I buy, "Super-Flex" in 50' rolls.