Hardware issue: Bolt no longer available

[jmc-codeless]

The 25mm M2 Bolts/Screws  McMaster # 92000A053 is not available any more. Can the 30mm M2 bolt be used instead? It's more expensive. Could M2.5 bolts and nuts be used instead, or are the holes too small for a 0.45mm diameter bolt and and 5mm bolt head?

[msgtn]

Hi jmc,

I don't currently have that version of the robot on hand to check, but I believe that the 25mm M2 is meant for the tower / gear assembly as it's the longest "thin" bolt. I think that the diameter matters more than the length, in which case a longer 30mm M2 would be preferable and you can make up the leftover 5mm with nuts / washers.

[jmc-codeless]

OK So, I ordered the 30mm bolts. They are used for the tower gear. And it DOES make a difference. If the bolts stick out past the gear face, they will rub on the base plate. I had to use a bolt cutter and trim the 30mm so they would not stick out. That sort of messed up the threads at the end. But, persevering with some pliers and spare nuts, I restored the threads enough to get the bolts on. The assembly instructions leave "a bit" to the imagination!