When to use comm stick?

[mpower7477]

I was wondering, how often should I use a comm stick? Should I use it after every run or every 3 runs or what?

[Marines]

Depends if you are bashing or racing. If you are just bashing, you use the comm stick every time you clean out your motor which should be every 6-8 runs. If you race, then is should be done every 3-6 runs.

[AudiTT-Quattro]

I use a comm stick after each run, then I blow it out with a can of compressed air.

[highroller]

For competitive racing after each run- the motor gets sprayed out with cleaner, the comm surface and brush face is cleaned of glaze with a comm stick. Brush face may get reserrated (reserrating brush allows motor to develop higher rpm), or comm is trued, brushes changed depending on wear or how much motor has dropped in performance. The bushing/bearing are reoiled, motor is run a couple of seconds to reseat them.

For non racing use it's cleaned up and inpected after use before I put it away. Not as much attention is paid to them as they are using a less aggressive setup or maybe older motors that are no longer good for racing. Brushes are very low silver and gearing is less aggressive.

[RCDoon]

How do you clean a comm Stick?

[End Overend]

I don't know that you necessarily have to clean a comm stick. It's basically just a bunch of fiberglass bristles, so I would guess if you wanted to clean it you could use any normal cleaning solution. Just make sure you rinse it well with water afterwards.

As for usage, I generally use mine after 4-5 packs. I clean the comm and the brushes. With the brushes I clean the tip that hits the comm and the sides as well. I also use the opportunity to clean out the motor with Q-Tips since I don't have any compressed air.

[rocknbil]

EndOver, you want to get all the fiberglas particles out of there that fall off the comm stick, they can accellerate wear and get in your bearings/bushings - you should really wash it out with motor cleaner after cleaning your comm. Electric motor cleaner from Auto stores is cheaper than the hobby shop variety.

[tamiyadude]

That's the thing about those comm sticks and comm pens.... I think the pens do a better job, but I hate those little fiberglass bristles ending up everywhere... especially when you cut them back to get to new material.... Then, I've never been super impressed with the regular comm sticks that have the round end and the flat end. I just don't think they do as good of a job on the comm... Anyway, I use both types.

If someones reading this that doesn't have a comm pen.... just buy the refill for $1.20 cause that's the only part you really need... the pen itself is kinda cumbersome and can be like a balancing act holding it in there. When I get a new refill and use it by itself without the pen, I slide some heat shrink tubing part of the way up from the little brass piece that holds it together... it will keep your bristles together and then you can trim it back just like the bristles when you need to. Just have the tubing on the part that will stick out of the brush hoods though... don't try to jam the tubing part into the brush hoods... it won't fit.

[murphy3688]

ive run about 5 packs through my brand new 10x2 speed gems. i dont have a comm stick right now and i want to clean my motor. i was going to remove the brushes, spray the inside with my duratrax power shot, and wipe the brushes with a towel or something, and reinstall. good idea?

-murphy

[mpower7477]

Originally posted by murphy3688
ive run about 5 packs through my brand new 10x2 speed gems. i dont have a comm stick right now and i want to clean my motor. i was going to remove the brushes, spray the inside with my duratrax power shot, and wipe the brushes with a towel or something, and reinstall. good idea?

-murphy
yea, if you run on the street or offroad its always a good idea to spray out your motor once in awhile.

[72montedude]

my lhs said that all the companies stopped making com sticks:confused: is that true? i really need one and i cant find them anywhere. does tower carry them?

[AudiTT-Quattro]

Originally posted by 72montedude
my lhs said that all the companies stopped making com sticks:confused: is that true? i really need one and i cant find them anywhere. does tower carry them?

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXUE64&P=7

That should answer BOTH of your questions.

[72montedude]

ahhhhhh look at that. thanks