When to Use Captive Screws
To use captive screws properly between two threaded items:
1. Initial Insertion:
Screw the captive screw completely through the first threaded item until the screw moves freely and is completely loose.
2. Alignment and Securing:
Align the screw with the threads of the second item. Carefully insert and tighten the screw, ensuring proper alignment to prevent thread stripping.
3. Final Check:
Verify that the screw is securely fastened and both connecting items have no play between them.
Proper alignment is crucial to prevent damage and ensure the longevity of the threads and the screw.
Why Captive Screws?
In situations where two threaded elements like a threaded hub to a threaded wheel body need to be mounted to each other, the importance of captive screws cannot be overstated. Regular screws might seem like an easy fit, but they pose a potential threat to a solid connection. Oppositely, captive screws avoid any potential damage to both the wheel and the hub. To reemphasize, never employ regular screws when connecting two threaded items, the result could be irreparable damage to the threads. Captive screws should be your go-to in this situation, providing the safety and assurance needed for such connections, and avoiding problems like the ones below.
In situations where two threaded elements like a threaded hub to a threaded wheel body need to be mounted to each other, the importance of captive screws cannot be overstated. Regular screws might seem like an easy fit, but they pose a potential threat to a solid connection. Oppositely, captive screws avoid any potential damage to both the wheel and the hub. To reemphasize, never employ regular screws when connecting two threaded items, the result could be irreparable damage to the threads. Captive screws should be your go-to in this situation, providing the safety and assurance needed for such connections, and avoiding problems like the ones below.
1. Mismatched Threads: In any mechanical setup, individual components such as threaded hubs or wheel bodies each have their distinctive thread pitch. When attempting to unite two such elements, achieving a perfect alignment of their respective thread pitches is often an uncommon occurrence. This is where captive screws become invaluable. These specialized screws can seamlessly screw through the first component until reaching their non-threaded shaft. This unique design allows them to effortlessly adjust and engage with the subsequent set of threads, ensuring both a precise and secure connection between the two threaded elements.
2. Cross-threading Risk: Using a regular screw can lead to cross-threading, which means the screw threads misalign with the threads of the next component. Cross-threading can damage the threads and weaken the connection, making future connections unreliable or impossible without re-tapping.
3. Suboptimal Engagement: A regular screw might not engage fully with both threaded items, leading to a weak and wobbly connection that can easily come loose. This is especially risky in applications like sim racing where consistent and strong connections are crucial.
4. Potential Over-tightening: Without the right fit, there's a risk of over-tightening a regular screw. This can strip the threads, deform the connected components, or even cause breaks.
Usage & Compatibility
From mounting Fanatec Podium hubs to securing other threaded QRs to the body of a GSI, captive screws can be a go-to for a wide range of applications. And for those eager to integrate them into their setup, they're sold in sets of six, ready to be used with nearly any sim racing wheel or hub. You can purchase them here GSI Captive Screws
Specs
Our captive screws are made from robust high-grade 12.9 carbon steel, rendered in a sleek black. 360 degree loctite ensures that once they're in place, they hold and maintain their strength. Their design—a combination of an 8mm smooth shaft with a 5mm threaded portion—is tailor-made for sim racing gear.
Dimensions Matter: Choosing the Right Screw Length
When selecting screws, attention to detail is crucial. If you opt for an alternate supplier instead of the official website, it's recommended not to use screws that extend more than 4MM beyond the hub lip when threaded. For instance, since GSI hubs have an 8MM lip and the wheel body is 4MM thick, the total screw length should be 12MM. Using anything longer could damage the PCB board of the wheel, which would be an expensive mistake.
Installation Insights
Every GSI wheel includes a 70MM PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter). Most hubs with a similar 70MM PCD can be seamlessly attached to models like the Hyper P1. In addition, It's always recommended to keep at least a 50MM gap between the wheel and wheelbase, ensuring the coiled USB cable remains unobstructed.