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How to Get Graphite to Stick to Pinewood Derby Axles

Friction is one of the primary reasons for loss of speed in a Pinewood Derby car. As such, removing the friction from every possible source is an important step in building a winning derby car. A primary source of friction in your car is from the wheels touching the car body and axle. To decrease the friction between the wheels and other surfaces, you can apply a thin layer of graphite that will act as a lubricant for your wheels.

Things You'll Need

  • Pinewood Derby car
  • Marvel Mystery Oil
  • Sandpaper
  • Lint-free cloth
  • Graphite pencil
  • File
  • Super glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the axle and wheels from your car. You'll have to prepare the axles for the graphite to stick properly and work efficiently.

    • 2

      Place a thin layer of Marvel Mystery Oil onto the axles and then polish the axles with fine grit sandpaper until they shine brightly. The oil is a lubricant, and you can buy it from most auto parts stores.

    • 3

      Dry the axles with a lint-free cloth, removing all but a light sheen of the oil.

    • 4

      Rub the axles with the point of a graphite pencil. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the axles with the graphite.

    • 5

      Place a thin layer of super glue around the axle holes on the car body. Grind graphite from the pencil with a file onto the superglue and let it dry. File at the superglue and graphite mixture until only a thin layer remains on the car body.

    • 6

      Place the wheels onto the axles and then place the axles into the body of the car.


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