INC Pro Rail Rider Tool DWXPRT01

1.5 and 2.5 ° all you need for stearing your car..

I purchased this, Pro Rail Rider Tool by Derby Worx, for my son's first pinewood derby car. We followed the directions, which were further supported by some youtube videos, and it performed exactly as it should. The tool seems like it is precision crafted, and is solid and heavy despite its size. This tool has one function: provide a bend/angle in a nail/axle. This tool requires the Pro Axle Press, also by Derby Worx, to work.I'm new to the phenomenon that is pinewood derby racing, and all I did was follow the directions. This tool, by itself, isn't going to guarantee your car a win -- there are many more aspects (as I learned, through much research) needed to ensure the best chance of victory. However, this tool worked precisely as I expected it to, as it is advertised, and definitely helped the car's performance. I also purchased the companion,  Pro Axle Press  by Derby Worx, which must be used with the Rail Rider Tool. Together, these two products are a great investment, as I figured my son would be building cars for several more years. I cannot speak to its longevity yet, but it is a solid piece of steel and should hold up if used as directed. It is a more affordable alternative to the Pro Axle Bender, even when purchasing the Press as well.I would definitely recommend this product.

The method of using this with the axel straightener does work, but i found that it wasn't consistently angled. Further adjustments can get you in line, but the challenge that you will eventually bang this tool too much for it to perform accuratly or consistently leaves me to recommend another bending tool if you plan to build more than two cars in the future. It's a nice concept, but has a limited life.

The tools works pretty well, though it is somewhat inconsistent due to different axles having different toughness. I suggest prepping twice the needed number of axles, and then selecting the two that match the best for the rear wheels. The front wheel isn't as critical since only one is needed. Overall the technique worked great and helped us take first in the pack this year.

Unfortunately simply banging on it with a hammer does not work. You have to first tightly clamp the Pro Axle Press before it will be effective. Note also that the bend will not be readily visible, so you will need to roll the axles to verify that the hammering worked. That said, provided enough of a rail-riding effect and stability that my son again was the top qualifier in the Den, 2nd in the Troop and 5th at districts.

Please be aware that you MUST have the Pro Axle Press (not included with this purchase) in tandem with this tool. This tool will not work on it's own. However, with both tools working together you can get the slight bend needed for 'rail riding'.

It is not in the product description at all that you need another $12 part for it to work. Buyer beware here. If you have the Axel Press by them then you're probably all set. If not, and like me you just wanted to buy a tool to add an angle, well then you're out of luck and you have yourself a nice $10 paper weight. You should honestly list it in the product description. Our first pine wood and was kind of excited to start building this holiday weekend and off to a bad start.

When I was unable to properly align two cars this season, I bent the dominant axle to 1.5 degrees and was easily able to get the proper alignment on both cars. Took first place for Tigers and Bears!