View Single Post
  #7  
Old 08-04-2009
SlowOne SlowOne is offline
Mad Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,549
Default

I've had this problem with F-Max screws. It stems from the fact that some manufacturers put a larger hex in the head than the accepted standard - in the 4-40 F-Mac screws (usually 1/16th hex) they put a 2.5mm hex. That makes the screws easier to turn, and makes the hex last longer (Ti is relatively soft) but it means there is much less material where the hex, the taper and the screw thread meet - and they snap.

Ti is much more ductile than steel or ally, so it should take shock and constant bending loads more successfully. However, shear loads are another matter! It's not the material that's at fault, it's the design of the screw.

There's a saying I first heard from Keith Bontrager, mountain bike pioneer. It goes

Strong, light, cheap - pick two.

Which two were those screws, I wonder!!
Reply With Quote