How to Make a Step Motor Coupler

A step motor relies on a magnetic field to move a rotor in incremental steps; the motor has a shaft that is connected to a step motor coupler, which in turn protects the shaft. The step motor coupler therefore must be durable and flexible. Here's how to make one at home in less than 15 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• 1 3-inch piece of rubber flex hose
• 2 Crimp-on brackets or worm clamps
• Lithium lubricant
• X-Acto knife
• Pliers
• Hammer
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Micrometer
• Marker
• Cloth

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Instructions

The Process

• 1

  Take the flathead screwdriver and hammer and, starting at the innermost edge of the key, insert the screwdriver in between the shaft body and the ridge of the key. Gently tap out the key.

• 2

  Use the pliers to pull out the key completely. Wipe away any metal debris with a soft cloth.

• 3

  Measure the diameter of the shaft with the micrometer; the rubber hose should have the same interior diameter as the shaft. Next, measure the length of the shaft with the micrometer.

• 4

  Take the 3-inch piece of rubber hose, and starting at the edge of the hose, make a line that is the same length as the step motor shaft.

• 5

  Cut the rubber hose with the X-Acto knife to the length of the shaft; the cut should be clean so pull off any small, excess pieces of rubber .

• 6

  Apply the lithium lubricant to the shaft. Slide the hose over the shaft until it reaches the end of the step motor shaft.

• 7

  Use a crimp bracket or worm bracket on each end of the rubber hose; clamp down the brackets with a pair of pliers to fix the rubber hose into position.