- Joined
- Jan 5, 2014
- Messages
- 955
So, I have a new project to support my habit. Today my driveway gate opener failed again. It is one that has an acme screw and plastic nut. The screw rusts every season. The nut wears due to the rust abrading it. I made a new plastic nut a couple of years ago and that lasted until today. I think today's fail was due to the rust and a faulty switch and the screw just turning through the plastic eventually at the end of the stroke. I had fun making the delrin nut that had two types of internal threads, a couple of counter-bores etc. Learned a bit on that project.
My question is about materials. I'm thinking a stainless steel screw and bronze nut or just clean up the regular steel screw and make a bronze nut. A some sort of coated screw would be great but don't know where to get that. It is always wet here and the arm is not well sealed.
Anyone have material or other suggestions?
My question is about materials. I'm thinking a stainless steel screw and bronze nut or just clean up the regular steel screw and make a bronze nut. A some sort of coated screw would be great but don't know where to get that. It is always wet here and the arm is not well sealed.
Anyone have material or other suggestions?