The following are some frequently asked questions about the Pinewood Derby and our Pack rules. (Some content has been adapted from Scout Life Magazine’s article Frequently Asked Questions About the Pinewood Derby)
List of Questions
How much does a Pinewood Derby car weigh out of the box?
The official Pinewood Derby car weighs about 3.5 ounces without any modifications. The wooden block is about 3.3 ounces, and the wheels and axles add about 0.2 ounces.
How do you weigh a Pinewood Derby car?
You can use a kitchen scale or a postal scale to weigh your car while building it, but remember that scales can vary. So make sure you have an easy way to add or subtract weight during weigh-in.
Can you add weight to a Pinewood Derby car?
Yes, you will probably want to add additional weight to your Pinewood Derby car to make it go faster. Cars can weigh a maximum of 5 ounces.
Where should you put weight on Pinewood Derby car?
Opinions vary, but most experts suggest adding as much weight to the back of your car as you can without popping a wheelie. About one inch in front of the rear axle is usually a good spot.
Learn more about where to add weight on a Pinewood Derby car.
Where can I buy Pinewood Derby weights?
The Scout Shop and many craft stores (like Hobby Lobby or Michaels) sell Pinewood Derby weights. The weights come in various shapes, sizes and materials. Tungsten cubes, strips or putty are popular because tungsten is denser than many other metals.
How do you bend Pinewood Derby axles by hand without a tool?
Bending your Pinewood Derby axles will make the wheels ride up against the nailhead, which creates less friction than if the wheel is bouncing around and rubbing against the wooden Pinewood Derby car body. It also makes alignment easier.
An axle bending tool is the simplest way to do this, and these tools can be purchased at the Scout Shop and many craft stores. But you can also make a slight bend in the the axle using a clamp and a pair of pliers.
How do you deburr a Pinewood Derby axle?
Axles right out of the box often have burrs and imperfections that cause unwanted friction on your car’s wheels. You can use a file or fine-grit sandpaper to remove the burrs and polish the axle. One easy way to do this is to clamp the axles back in the drill and let the drill spin the axle while you polish it.
What is the best graphite for Pinewood Derby?
For a fast car, you need to lubricate your car’s axles to reduce friction. Any dry graphite will work well, and you can purchase it at the Scout Shop, craft stores or hardware stores.
Other options for dry lubricants include molybdenum (moly) or tungsten disulfide (WS2) powder. These lubricants are available on their own or mixed with graphite. They generally cost more, but some people think they are more effective than graphite.
Liquid lubricants are prohibited because they can cause a mess on the track.
What kind of paint do you use on a Pinewood Derby car?
Enamel paint will give your Pinewood Derby car the glossiest finish, but any paint works great for your Pinewood Derby car. You can even use markers or stickers. The point is to be creative and have fun.
Be careful that your paint and decorations don’t rub or stick to your car’s wheels. Many people find it best to finish decorating their car before they install the axles and wheels.
If you need design inspiration, check out these Pinewood Derby car photo galleries.
Which side is the front of a Pinewood Derby car?
In the official Pinewood Derby kit, the axle grooves closest to the edge are usually put at the rear of the car.
However, you are allowed to orient your car in whichever direction works best for your design.
Most Cub Scouts find it easiest to sketch their Pinewood Derby car designs before they start cutting. You can download a printable Pinewood Derby car template PDF here.
Can a Pinewood Derby car be shorter than 7 inches?
It doesn’t matter how short you make your car, however you cannot change the wheelbase (distance between the front and rear axles, center to center) from the kit body distance of 4–3/8″.
How do you make a fast Pinewood Derby car?
Since a Pinewood Derby car is accelerated by gravity, the best way to speed up a car is by maximizing its weight. A heavier car will go faster, so you should always make your car as heavy as our pack’s rules allow.
It’s also important to reduce friction and air drag. Make sure your car’s wheels spin smoothly and don’t rub against the side of the car. You may also want to polish the axles to remove any burrs or imperfections. Use plenty of dry graphite to provide lubrication.
Get more tips for building a fast Pinewood Derby car and learn about scientifically proven ways to make your car go faster.
Who invented the Pinewood Derby?
The first Pinewood Derby race was organized by Cubmaster Don Murphy on May 15, 1953, at Pack 280C’s Scout House in Manhattan Beach, Calif. Other packs in the Los Angeles area held races that year, too.
By 1954, officials at the Boy Scouts of America heard about the event and began to spread the word, and _Boys’ Life_ magazine published Pinewood Derby plans in its October 1954 issue. That was the first reference to the Pinewood Derby in any BSA publication.
It wasn’t long before packs across the country made the Pinewood Derby a part of their annual calendar.
Read more about the fascinating history of the Pinewood Derby.