Snap-off Tungsten Plates

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Snap-off Tungsten Plates - 3 ounces^a

Includes 6 Mounting Screws - Not Shown in Photo

What is Tungsten?

The word "tungsten" literally means "a substance of high density", and is derived from the Swedish language, "tung", meaning "heavy," and "sten", meaning "stone." The name is appropriate as Tungsten is a metal with one of the highest densities. In fact, tungsten is 1.7 times heavier than lead. Only gold, platinum, and a few other rare and expensive metals have a similar density.

Applications of Tungsten

Tungsten is completely non-toxic and environmentally friendly so it is gaining increased use in weighting applications where lead is not appropriate. For example lead has been banned in many streams, so tungsten is often substituted for lead weight on fishing flies. The high density coupled with the non-toxic nature makes tungsten an ideal metal for this application.

For similar reasons tungsten is a superior product for weighting pine derby cars. Tungsten is 3.2 times the weight of the no-lead weighting material often used on pine derby cars, thus it enables tremendous flexibility in the design of the car. Coincidentally, tungsten has been used by NASCAR for the metal roll cage and as frame ballast to lower the center of gravity of the race car.

When to Use this Product

Snap-off Tungsten Plates are appropriate in the following situations:

Your car is low on weight, and you want to add weight towards the rear of the car without creating holes or pockets.

You want to design a very thin car, which precludes the use of thicker weighting material.

You want to create a car with a very low center of gravity. Since this weight is generally mounted on the bottom of the car, using this weight will set the center of gravity lower than usual.

Product Description

Each Snap-off Tungsten Plates weighs 1-1/2 ounces, and measures just over 1/16 inch thick, approximately 2-7/8 inches long, and 3/4 inch wide (1.85 mm x 72.7 mm x 19.5 mm). Your 3 ounce shipment will contain two, 1-1/2 ounce plates, and 6 wood screws for mounting the plates. Each plate is scored into one-1/2 ounce section, three-1/4 ounce sections, and two-1/8 ounce sections.

Product Usage

Caution - Wear eye protection when snapping
To use Snap-off Tungsten Plates determine the amount of weight needed for the car. Then use two pairs of pliers, or a pair of pliers and a clamp to snap off the unused section(s). Screw or glue (epoxy adhesive) the plates to the bottom of the car.

When applied one layer thick the 3/8 inch ground clearance requirement will be maintained on cars with axle slots (see photo). For cars with axle holes, the 3/8 inch clearance requirement may or may not be met based on the axle hole location and the diameter of the wheels. If needed, the plates can be recessed into the car.

The Snap-off Tungsten Plates are very hard, so do not plan to drill or cut them. Instead, use the existing score lines to break-off pieces until the car is just below the required weight. Then use an alternate method (tungsten beads, putty, etc.) to make fine adjustments.

^a3 ounces nominal weight - actual weight ranges from 2.9 to 3.0 ounces