Thread: Problem axle design for folding step-stool

If I'm reading the photos correctly, the axle had to go in before the outer sides were glued into place, then there is no chance of the axle falling out - of course the inside step section had to be finished first too.

Putting the axle in last by wiggling it about & having it 10mm or so short just doesn't cut it design wise - it works for sliding doors and the like because they are running in a track & gravity keeps them there - the top is just a guide. In your case, gravity is trying to pull it out of place.

A quick save would be to drill right thru' the sides, put in a full length axle & plug the holes with 'mushroom' plugs. If you only have the EXACT length, you could glue a length of dowel inside it to center it. (Sudden rush of blood to the brain department) - glue a bit of dowel into one end, then make a weak spring of coathanger wire (or whatever) to fit inside the tube, then put another length of dowel into the tube - done correctly this will keep the tube centered plus reinforce the ends so they are less likely to collapse under pressure. You can put glue on the last bit if yopu don't want it removeable later.

Originally Posted by bsrlee

A quick save would be to drill right thru' the sides, put in a full length axle & plug the holes with 'mushroom' plugs.

Only one side'd need to be drilled through. Of course, a matching plug on the other side would balance the look.

If you only have the EXACT length, you could glue a length of dowel inside it to center it. (Sudden rush of blood to the brain department) - glue a bit of dowel into one end, then make a weak spring of coathanger wire (or whatever) to fit inside the tube, then put another length of dowel into the tube - done correctly this will keep the tube centered plus reinforce the ends so they are less likely to collapse under pressure. You can put glue on the last bit if yopu don't want it removeable later.

Sorta like the li'l fiddy bits that hold wrist-watch bands to the body?

Thanks. I knew I wasn't thinking. I love the spring loaded idea.

I really don't know why I don't want the axle to go right through the legs. After all, a couple of mushroom plugs wouldn't look that bad, really.

AND I'd get the most important feature - strength.

The "spring" idea should be just as strong.....AND the dowel inside the rod would prevent any flexing which the "right-through" approach does not do as well.

I'd want my spring near the centre of the rod so that I get the full length of dowel at each end - for strength.

I'd still need the sleeves to keep the steps centred.