Designing Linkages

Step 1: Misalignment

Decision: Determine if misalignment is required as this determines the type of linkage end required.

TIPS

• If there's misalignment in the linkage, at least one ball joint or spherical rod end will be required.
• As yoke and clevis ends cost less than ball joints or spherical rod ends, determine if misalignment is required on one or both ends.
  

Step 2: Thread Size

Decision: Specify the thread size.

TIPS

• Avoid 7/16" sizes for cost reasons
• There are minor cost differences between 0-32, 1/4-28, 5/16-24 and 3/8-24 sizes
• Going from 3/8" to 1/2", 1/2" to 5/8", 5/8" to 3/4" sizes increased the cost dramatically.
• There is no real cost difference between equivalent inch and metric sizes.

Step 4: Linkage End

Decision: Determine the Linkage End to Use

Step 3: Thread Gender

Decision: Specify Male vs. Female Threads

TIPS

• Female linkage ends are almost always less expensive than male linkage ends. If the linkage end itself has no cost difference for male vs. female, a male connecting linkage is almost always less expensive than a female connecting linkage

Step 5: Connecting Linkage - Male

Decision: Select the Connecting Linkage

TIPS

• Threaded Rod, Standard Designs
• Jack Screws (Metric or Inch)
• Custom Rod (submit drawing for quotation)

Step 5: Connecting Linkage - Female

Decision: Select the Connecting Linkage

TIPS:

• Forged Connecting Turnbuckles (Inch or Metric)
• Hex bar, Steel and Aluminum
• Custom Tube (submit drawing for quotation)