M3 Servo Linkage Rod 200mm - Stainless Steel Double-Ended Threaded Push Rod

Specifications:

• Total Length: 200mm
• Thread Type: M3 (Standard Metric 3mm)
• Thread Configuration: Double-Ended 
• Material: Stainless Steel (Rust-Resistant)
• Rod Diameter: 3mm
• Compatibility: Fits all standard M3 Clevises, Ball Links, and Rod Ends
• Weight: ~5g

Key Applications & Projects:

• 1/10 & 1/8 Scale RC Vehicles: Heavy-duty steering linkages and suspension camber links for Crawlers, Buggies, and Truggies.
• Robotics: Connecting servos to grippers, legs, or mechanical levers in custom humanoid or hexapod projects.
• RC Boats: Rudder control linkages where water resistance is critical.
  Large Scale Aircraft: Control surface pushrods for 60-size or gasoline-powered planes requiring zero-flex connections.
• DIY Mechanisms: Any push-pull mechanism requiring a rigid 200mm transfer link.

Project Evolution:

• The Problem (The Old Way): Beginners often start by bending bicycle spokes or paperclips to connect servos. These are hard to adjust, look messy, and flex under load, causing your robot to jitter or your car to wander.

• The Upgrade (This Product): By switching to the M3 Stainless Linkage Rod, you unlock Tunable Geometry. When paired with M3 Clevises, you can twist the rod to lengthen or shorten your connection by fractions of a millimeter—perfect for centering servos without rewriting code.

• Effort Level: Beginner. Requires no special tools other than pliers to hold the rod while screwing on ends.

   

• Hardware Needed: You will need M3 Clevises or Ball Links (sold separately) to attach this to your servo horn.

Virtual Technician: Assembly Tips

• Match Your Threads: This is an M3 (3mm) rod. Ensure your plastic rod ends or metal clevises are specifically rated for M3. M2 accessories will not fit.
  
• Safety Check: For high-vibration environments (like gas engines or off-road cars), apply a drop of Blue Loctite to the threads before securing the nut or metal clevis.
  
• Adjustment: Since the center is smooth, use pliers with a piece of cloth (to prevent scratching) if you need to grip the rod tightly to turn it.

Required Accessories

• M3 Clevis / Ball Links: To connect the rod ends to horns.
  
• M3 Nuts: For locking the position.
  
• Servo Horns: To drive the rod.

Package Includes:

1 X M3 Servo Linkage Rod 200mm - Stainless Steel Double-Ended Threaded Push Rod

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the exact thread pitch of this M3 rod?
   It uses the standard coarse ISO metric pitch of M3 x 0.5mm.

2. Is this rod fully threaded along the entire 200mm length?
   No, it is double-ended. It has threads on both ends (typically ~15-20mm) with a smooth shaft in the center.

3. Can I cut this rod if 200mm is too long?
   Yes, you can cut stainless steel with a Dremel or hacksaw, but you must file the cut end to fix the threads before screwing on a nut.

4. Will this rust if used in an RC boat?
   No, it is made of Stainless Steel, making it highly resistant to rust and fresh water.

5. Is this compatible with MG996R servos?
   Yes, the MG996R is a high-torque servo often used with M3 hardware. You will need an M3-compatible hole in your servo horn.

6. Can I use this with SG90 micro servos?
   It is likely too heavy and thick for an SG90. We recommend the M2 version for micro servos.

7. What tool do I need to adjust the length?
   You typically turn the rod itself. A pair of pliers gripping the smooth center section works best.

8. Does this include the black plastic ends shown in some project photos?
   No, this is the metal rod only. Clevises and Ball Links are sold separately.

9. How much weight can this rod push without buckling?
   As a solid 3mm steel rod, it can easily handle the 10-20kg force output of standard hobby servos without buckling.

10. Is the 200mm length measured tip-to-tip or just the smooth part?
    The length is measured Tip-to-Tip (overall length).

11. Can I bend this rod to make a Z-bend?
    Stainless steel is very hard. While possible with heavy-duty tools, it is designed to be used straight. We recommend using Ball Links instead of bending.

12. Will M3 nuts fit this?
    Yes, any standard M3 nut or nyloc nut will fit perfectly.

13. Is this rod magnetic?
    Some stainless steel grades (like 304) can be slightly magnetic due to the cold working process during manufacturing, but it is not soft iron.

14. What is the diameter of the smooth center section?
    It is approximately 2.8mm - 3.0mm, matching the thread major diameter.

15. Do I need to tap threads into my plastic rod ends?
    Most plastic M3 rod ends are self-threading or pre-threaded. You can screw this directly in.

16. Is this stronger than the silver zinc rods?
    Yes, stainless steel has a higher yield strength and is stiffer than standard low-carbon zinc-plated steel.

17. Can I use this for a delta printer linkage?
    Yes, if 200mm matches your geometry requirements, these are excellent for rigid delta arms.

18. How do I prevent the rod ends from vibrating loose?
    Use an M3 "Jam Nut" against the rod end to lock it in place.

19. What if I need exactly 95mm?
    You can screw the rod ends further in to shorten the total assembly length. This adjustable nature is the main benefit.

20. Is this suitable for steering linkages on a 1/8 buggy?
    Yes, M3 is the standard size for 1/10 and many 1/8 scale steering turnbuckles.