Pinewood Derby - Wheel Alignment Tool

When I was helping some Cub Scout parents with their Pinewood Derby kits last weekend, a couple of them had purchased car kits that included a wheel alignment tool. Unfortunately, the kit did not seem to include the directions for using it. Therefore, I will show the tool's various uses. It can help a great deal in making sure that your car meets all the size requirements for the Pinewood Derby.

The first use of the alignment tool is to check the axle slots to make sure they are perpendicular to the body of the car. Place the tool flat on the bottom of the car and make sure the ruled edge is flush with one side of the car. Make sure the both sides of the axle slot line up with the lines on the tool. (Fig. 1) If not, use a small file to align the slots.

Figure 1 - Axle Alignment

One of the most useful features of the tool is its ability to check for proper wheel clearance between wheel and body. It also makes it easier to ensure that each wheel has the same clearance. While inserting a wheel, place the tool's clearance notch (Fig. 2) over the axle and push the wheel in until it touches the plastic. (Fig. 3) Gently remove the tool and repeat this process at each wheel. Then lay the car on its heels to check that all are touching the ground. Gently adjust the axles up or down until the car sits properly and then superglue the ends of the axles to the car body, being very careful not to get any glue near the wheels.

Figure 2 - Wheel Clearance Notch

Figure 3 - Checking for Wheel Clearance

While adjusting the axles prior to gluing them in you can also check the car to prevent camber. Place the car on a flat surface and use the tool at each wheel to make sure that the car sits at a 90 degree angle to the surface.(Fig. 4)

Figure 4 - Preventing Camber

You can also use the tool to check to see if the wheels are toeing in or out. Lay the tool flat on the underside of the car and push the ruled edge against he front and rear wheels on one side, checking to make sure that the wheel rims touch the ruled edge at all possible points. While holding the tool in place pull the opposite wheels away from the car body and make sure they line on the same lines of the tool sticking out from the car body. (Fig. 5)

Figure 5 - Checking for Wheels Toeing In or Out

Check the car's overall length and width using the tool. A car may not exceed 7" in length or 2 3/4" in width. (Figs. 6,7)

Figure 6 - Checking Car Length

Figure 7 - Checking Car Width

Finally, you can check the car's clearance by sliding the extended end of the tool under the car. If it can extend under the car at all points, the car will have no trouble fitting onto the track.(Fig. 8)

Figure 8 - Checking Car Clearance

Proper use of the alignment tool can ensure that your car will meet all the dimension requirements of the Pinewood Derby. Good Luck and good racing.