Understanding and Using V5 Workcell Tools

Introduction

This article is intended for those who are just starting out with the VEX V5 Workcell and may be new to building, more specifically, building with metal. The purpose of this article is to familiarize you with the tools provided in the Workcell Kit in order to begin building. The Workcell uses two main tools; the Open End Wrench and the T15/T8 Star Drive Key or T15/T8 Star Screwdriver. View the video below as well as the information included in the rest of this article to learn more about these tools and their uses.

V5 Workcell Tool Uses

Open End Wrench

Diagram illustrating the setup of a V5 Workcell for Career and Technical Education, showing components and their arrangement for optimal functionality.

The purpose of the Open End Wrench is to hold a nut or standoff in place while a screw is being secured to it. By holding the nut or standoff in place with the wrench, it will allow the screw to be securely fastened to your build.

Diagram illustrating the setup of the V5 Workcell for CTE (Career and Technical Education), showing component arrangement and connections for optimal functionality.

With the V5 Workcell, the smaller end of the wrench is used to hold:

  • #8-32 Standoffs
    • Length of the standoff does not matter.

The larger end of the wrench is used to hold:

  • #8-32 Nylock Nuts

T15 Star Drive Key / T15 Star Screwdriver

Diagram illustrating the setup of a V5 Workcell for Career and Technical Education, showing the arrangement of components and connections necessary for operation.

Diagram illustrating the setup of a V5 Workcell for CTE (Career and Technical Education), showing the arrangement of components and connections necessary for optimal functionality.

The purpose of the T15 Star Drive Key (pictured first) as well as the T15 Star Screwdriver (pictured second) is to drive all the #8-32 Star Drive Screws. This is done by using the unique star drive shape of the key driving the imprinted #8-32 Star Drive Screw.

For more information and a demonstration on securing screws to nuts, view this article from the VEX Library.

T8 Star Drive Key / T8 Star Screwdriver

Diagram illustrating the setup of a V5 Workcell for CTE, showing component arrangement and connections for optimal functionality.

Diagram illustrating the setup of a V5 Workcell for CTE (Career and Technical Education), showing the arrangement of components and connections necessary for optimal functionality.

The purpose of the T8 Star Drive Key (pictured first) as well as the T8 Star Screwdriver (pictured second) is to drive all the #8-32 Star Drive Set Screws. These star drive set screws are the smaller screws located in  Star Drive Shaft Collars.

For more information and a demonstration on securing screws to nuts, view this article from the VEX Library.

For more information, help, and tips, check out the many resources at VEX Professional Development Plus

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