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How to Add Wire Weights to Your Pinewood Derby Car
1. Put all of the components that will be used on your car on
a scale. Be sure to include wheels, axles and any accessories.
Add enough of the wire weight to bring the weight up to 4.9 oz. The
remaining .1 oz is reserved for paint and decals.
2. Decide where you would like to add the weight. Weight
should be placed towards the rear of the car. You
can drill the weight holes in the bottom, side or rear
of the car as shown in these examples. Stay at least 1/8"
away from the axle slots.
3. Measure the distance that you can drill into the block - leave
at least 1/8" of wood at the other end of the hole. Wrap a
5/16" drill bit with masking tape at the measured distance.
This will stop the bit at the right depth
4. Drill enough holes in the car to accommodate all of the
weight. Drill one additional hole for weight that will be added
later.
5. Cut the weight with a diagonal
pliers or wire cutter at slightly less than the hole depth
that you measured.
6. Insert the weights in the holes and weigh your car again.
If the weight is more than 4.9 oz, snip off a little of one
weight until your car is the correct weight.
7. Seal the weights in the car with wood putty or glue. Let
the putty or glue dry.
8. Use sandpaper or a file to smooth the wood putty.
9. Paint your car and add the wheels and accessories.
10. Weigh your car. Add
enough weight to make it exactly 5 oz. Add the weight to
your car in the extra hole.
Note: Scales differ so unless you have access to the scale that will be used on the night of the race it is a good idea to make your car slightly less than 5 oz then bring our stick-on-weights to the race and add them to your car to adjust the weight to 5oz.