DIY bicycle trailer

Step 9 Make the trailer hitch male fitting

Mount the bolt in a lathe or in a 1/2" drill you have secured tightly to your bench. (Stop right here and put on your safety goggles, if you have not already done so.)

Using the male quick connector fitting as an "eye balled" and hand micrometered pattern, power up the drill and use the rotary tool to cut the half circle profile recess in the bolt as it is spinning.

I used a micrometer to be sure I did not take too much off the slightly smaller diameter of the bolt end or cut the recess for the ball bearings too shallow or too deep. The replacement bolt needs to slide all the way into the female end of the connector, lock in place and be able to rotate freely while remaining snug - an easy task to accomplish if you take your time, concentrate on what you are doing and go slow. Lots of short soda breaks will help.

Quick connectors from different manufacturers may not have the exact same dimensions, so cut the bolt to fit the same quick connector you plan to use that you also use as the pattern.

Comments

[bradleyporter]

is this step really necessary? Couldnt you in theory, plug the male connector into the end of your arm and drill screws into it to attach it? Instead of remaking it?