What are the official Pinewood Derby rules?

The car must have been made during the current year (the year in which the derby is held). The width of the car shall not exceed 2-1/4 inches. The length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches. The weight of the car shall not exceed 5 ounces.

Correspondingly, can you reuse a Pinewood Derby car?

1.01 All cars entered must be newly built, using all new parts after September 1 of the current school/Scout year from the stock materials provided in the Official Pinewood Derby Racing Car Kit (part# 17006). NOTE: Reusing car bodies, axles or wheels from previous years is a violation.

Also Know, how do you make a Pinewood Derby car go fast? So, here is how to build a fast pinewood derby car in 6 steps:.

Step 1: Reduce friction to speed up your car.
Step 2: Lubricate Axles and Wheels.
Step 3: Prepare and Polish Axles - Essential for Speed.
Step 4: Balance and tune your Wheels to Maxiumize Speed.
Step 5: Add Weight to Increase Inertia.

Moreover, is there a height requirement for pinewood derby cars?

The maximum height of the car cannot exceed 5 inches (Adjust this limit so that the cars will pass under your finish gate). 5. The car must have 1 ¾” clearance between the wheels.

Are Bent Axles legal in Pinewood Derby?

Axles are LEGAL in all races. LATHED shaft and underside of axle head to remove Crimp marks and Burrs - these must be removed to make your car fast. POLISHED axle shaft to minimize friction, increasing your car speed.

Should I bake my Pinewood Derby block?

Should I bake the pinewood derby block? The short answer is no, do not bake the block. The idea behind baking the block is to remove moisture which will make the block lighter. You can then add more weight to the back of the car.

Are stickers allowed on pinewood derby cars?

Decals are an easy way to make your Pinewood Derby car look good. Most new decals are of the dry transfer type. They are very easy to use, just cut them out, peel them off then stick them on the car. Decals are best applied to a flat surface but they can be used on curves and outside corners.

Should you sand Pinewood Derby wheels?

Lightly Sanded BSA Wheels This wheel should be legal in pinewood derby races that specify any of the following: Wheel diameter must be greater than 1.18". The wheels may be slightly sanded to remove any mold marks but may not be modified in any other way.

Can a Pinewood Derby car have 3 wheels?

— Make a Three-Wheeler: Raise one wheel about 1/16 inch higher so it never actually touches the track. Less friction = more speed. Rules vary from pack to pack, so make sure to check your pack's Pinewood Derby rules to make sure three wheelers are allowed in your race.

What is the best lubricant for pinewood derby cars?

Graphite

How do you polish axles?

Use wet/dry sandpaper starting with CAMI 400 grit (30 micron = 30 μm = 0.03 mm). Cut the sandpaper into 1/4" strips that are several inches long. Dip the paper in water and sand the exposed portion of the axle for approximately 30 seconds with the axle rotating at high speed. Don't forget to polish under the axle head.

Where do you put the weights on a Pinewood Derby car?

Weight should be placed towards the rear of the car. You can drill the weight holes in the bottom, side or rear of the car as shown in these examples. Stay at least 1/8" away from the axle slots.

How do you put graphite on a Pinewood Derby car?

How to apply graphite:

Insert a wheel into an axle.
Hold the wheel down.
Tap the wheel several times with your finger to move the graphite throughout the wheel.
Hold the axle horizontal and spin the wheel with your finger several times.
Repeat steps 2 through 4 several times.
Attach the wheel and axle to your car.

How much clearance does a Pinewood Derby car need?

The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches. The car must have 1 ¾” clearance between the wheels. The car must have 3/8” clearance underneath the body so it does not rub on the center guide rail.

What is the weight of a Pinewood Derby block?

approximately 3.4 ounces

What tools do I need for a Pinewood Derby car?

Tools to help you build your Pinewood Derby Car . It's as easy as ABC!

Pro Hub Tool. For use with the Pro Wheel Shaver and Pro Hub Shaver.
Pro Wheel Shaver XT 2. Eliminate Wheel Imperfections.
Pro Hub Shaver.
Pro Axle Press.
Pro Rail Rider Tool.
Pro Axle Bender.
Pro Body Tool.
Pro Body Jig.

Do Boy Scouts have Pinewood Derby?

Pinewood derbies are often run by chapters (packs) of the Cub Scouts program of Boy Scouts of America. With the help of adults, Scouts build their own cars from wood, usually from kits containing a block of pine wood, plastic wheels, and metal axles.

What is the diameter of a Pinewood Derby wheel?

Stock wheels are 1.190 inch diameter and 0.415 inch wide with a 0.310 wide tread contact area. This chapter covers selecting wheels, sanding, shaving or lathing the tread, coning the hubs, polishing the bores, balancing and, as a final touch, highlighting the spokes and raised letters.

What is the maximum weight of a Pinewood Derby car?

5 oz.

How much does a Boy Scout Pinewood Derby car weight?

5 ounces

Does a heavier Pinewood Derby car go faster?

One of the most fundamental rules in the Pinewood Derby is the maximum weight limit of 5.000 ounces, or 141.643 grams. Simple physical principles dictate that a heavier car will run faster. On the sloped part of the track, both a light car and a heavy car will accelerate at the same rate.

Can you put weights on the bottom of a Pinewood Derby car?

When the paint has dried, mount the weight on the top of your car as far to the rear as possible. The weight should not extend past the rear of the car. Glue bottom weights to the bottom of the block to bring the total weight (including wheels and axles) to 5 oz.