Where to put weights on a pinewood derby car

There are some questions that have plagued mankind since the beginning of recorded history:

• Why are we here?
• What’s the ultimate answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything?
• Where should I place my weights on my Pinewood Derby car?

While we can’t help you with the first two, here’s what we know about the third.

MAX OUT YOUR CAR’S WEIGHT AT 5 OZ

First, the basics: Your car should weigh as much as it’s allowed. In most races, a Pinewood Derby car’s weight is limited to 5 ounces. If your car weighs less than that, add coins or other weights.

As far as where you should attach those weights to your car … well, let’s just say opinions differ.

PUT MOST OF THE WEIGHT IN THE BACK

Science says the heaviest part of your car should be about 1 inch in front of the rear axle. The idea is that the farther back the weight is, the more potential energy you have because your center of mass is higher up on the track. (Don’t put it too far back, or your Pinewood Derby car will become unstable and pop a wheelie.)

Our expert says if you do this correctly, you will beat a Pinewood Derby car built exactly the same — except with the weight toward its front — by 4.6 car lengths.

That’s a lot of car lengths.

And you can’t argue with science, right?

PUT MOST OF THE WEIGHT IN THE FRONT

Well, we’ve heard from multiple field testers who claim that they’ve finished near the top of multiple Pinewood Derby races by placing the majority of their weight near the front of the car.

The idea here is that putting the weight near the front of the car gives it the tiniest bit of “head start” over a car with its weight near the rear. Or, perhaps placing the weight on the front of the car — in these cases, at least — forces the car to ride smoother down the track.

So where should you place your weights on your Pinewood Derby car? The ultimate answer is: It depends on who you ask. Our advice: Put your weight wherever you want, and spend most of your time polishing your axles. That’s a great way to reduce drag and increase your speed.

Good luck!

How to Add Wire Weights to Your Pinewood Derby Car

The more your car weighs, the faster it will go down the track. A winning car will weigh as close to the 5 oz. maximum as possible. Here is how you can install our wire weights in your Pinewood Derby car.

What you will need:

• One set of wire weights
• 5/15" drill bit
• Hand drill or drill press
• Wire cutters, diagonal pliers or other cutting tool
• Wood putty or glue
• Gloves

Caution: These weights are made of lead. You should handle lead weight with gloves. Children should not handle lead weights.

1. Put all of the components that will be used on your car on a scale. Be sure to include wheels, axles and any accessories. Add enough of the wire weight to bring the weight up to 4.9 oz.  The remaining .1 oz is reserved for paint and decals.

2. Decide where you would like to add the weight. Weight should be placed towards the rear of the car.  You can drill the weight holes in the bottom, side or rear of the car as shown in these examples. Stay at least 1/8" away from the axle slots.

3. Measure the distance that you can drill into the block - leave at least 1/8" of wood at the other end of the hole. Wrap a 5/16" drill bit with masking tape at the measured distance. This will stop the bit at the right depth

4. Drill enough holes in the car to accommodate all of the weight. Drill one additional hole for weight that will be added later.

5. Cut the weight with a diagonal pliers or wire cutter at slightly less than the hole depth that you measured.

6. Insert the weights in the holes and weigh your car again. If the weight is more than 4.9 oz, snip off a little of one weight until your car is the correct weight.

7. Seal the weights in the car with wood putty or glue.  Let the putty or glue dry.

8. Use sandpaper or a file to smooth the wood putty.

9. Paint your car and add the wheels and accessories.

10. Weigh your car. Add enough weight to make it exactly 5 oz. Add the weight to your car in the extra hole.

Note: Scales differ so unless you have access to the scale that will be used on the night of the race it is a good idea to make your car slightly less than 5 oz then bring our stick-on-weights to the race and add them to your car to adjust the weight to 5oz.

Where should the weight go on a pinewood derby car?

Is it better to put weight on top or bottom of pinewood derby car?

How do you hold weights on a pinewood derby car?