M8 Screws, Lock Washers & Corner Brackets: Sim Rig Spare Parts FAQ

M8 sim rig screws: fit and replacement questions

Will M8 x 30mm screws fit my aluminum profile rig?

M8 is the common thread size on aluminum profile simulator rigs, and the Trak Racer M8 x 30mm Hardened Hex Screws are made for assembling those rigs and mounting accessories. Length still matters: 30mm suits joints where the bracket and profile stack falls within that grip range. Check your existing fastener length before swapping, and do not force a screw that bottoms out.

Why hardened hex screws instead of generic hardware?

The catalog describes these screws as hardened steel with a hex head for standard hex tools. That matters on a rig because fasteners see repeated vibration and occasional re-torquing. Generic soft screws round off more easily; hardened hex heads give you a more reliable tool fit during assembly and maintenance.

How many screws should I keep as spares?

The Trak Racer M8 x 30mm screws come in a pack of 5. For a typical rig, that covers replacing a few lost or damaged fasteners at one joint without buying a full hardware kit. If you are building from scratch, count the joints first; a pack of 5 is a maintenance top-up, not a full assembly set.

M8 x 30mm hardened hex screws

• M8 x 30mm Hardened Hex Screws - Pack of 5: Pack of 5 M8 x 30mm hardened hex screws in hardened steel with a hex head for standard hex tools. A small, targeted spare pack for replacing lost or worn fasteners at a single joint without overbuying.

  

M8 lock washer questions

Do I need lock washers on a sim rig?

Lock washers apply tension between the fastener and the mounting surface to help prevent loosening over time. On a rig that vibrates under force feedback and bass shakers, that added security is cheap insurance. The Trak Racer M8 Lock Washers are sized for M8 bolts and screws used throughout aluminum profile rigs and accessories.

Where should lock washers go?

Use them under the bolt head or nut at joints that see vibration: wheelbase mounts, pedal plates, and accessory brackets. The catalog describes them as vibration-resistant, but it does not specify torque values or installation order, so follow your rig's assembly instructions for tightening.

How many lock washers come in a set?

The Trak Racer M8 Lock Washers come as a set of 10. That is enough to cover several high-vibration joints, but not a whole rig. Pair them with the M8 x 30mm screw pack if you are refreshing hardware at the same time.

M8 lock washers

• M8 Lock washer - Set of 10: Set of 10 M8 lock washers in durable steel, designed to prevent loosening over time on aluminum profile rigs and accessories. A low-cost way to add vibration resistance at the joints most likely to loosen.

  

Aluminum corner bracket questions

What size are these 8020 rig corner brackets?

The Trak Racer Aluminum Corner Brackets measure 160mm in height and 40mm in width. That is the bracket's own footprint, not the profile size. The catalog does not state which extrusion series they fit, so measure your profile and existing brackets before ordering.

Where do corner brackets add the most value?

Brackets reinforce joints where a rig flexes or carries load, such as upright-to-base connections and accessory mounting points. The die-cast aluminum construction is described as heavy-duty for stability and support. Use them where you can actually see or feel movement, not as decoration.

Do brackets come with screws and washers?

The bracket set is described as a set of 2 brackets. The catalog does not list fasteners as included, so plan on M8 hardware separately. The M8 x 30mm screw pack and M8 lock washer set are the matching items in this catalog, but confirm the length your joint needs.

Can I mix bracket brands on one rig?

Physically you can, but matching hole spacing and profile slot geometry matters more than brand. The catalog gives height and width only, not hole pattern or slot series. If you are adding to an existing rig, compare against the bracket you are replacing.

Aluminum corner brackets, 160mm x 40mm

• Aluminum Corner Brackets (Set of 2) – 160mm Height x 40mm Width for Extrusion Rigs: Set of 2 die-cast aluminum brackets, 160mm height x 40mm width, designed for extrusion rigs. A reinforcement option for joints that need extra stability, provided the size matches your profile.

When to replace sim rig hardware

Hardware rarely fails all at once. These are the signals that justify a swap rather than a re-tighten.

• Rounded hex heads: If a hex key spins or slips in the head, the fastener is stripping. Replace it before it seizes.
• Joint keeps loosening: A joint that will not stay tight after re-torquing may need a fresh lock washer or a closer look at bracket alignment.
• Visible corrosion or thread damage: Damaged threads make future removal harder. Swap the fastener while access is easy.
• Adding load to an existing joint: A heavier wheelbase or new accessory changes the forces at that joint. Reinforcing with a bracket and fresh hardware is cheaper than repairing a failed mount.

What the catalog does not tell you

These product records give sizes, materials, and pack counts, but not torque specs, profile series compatibility, or fastener inclusion for the brackets. That is a real limitation: do not assume a bracket fits your extrusion just because it is sold for extrusion rigs. Measure your profile, compare to your existing hardware, and follow your rig manufacturer's assembly guidance for tightening.

Treat spare hardware as maintenance, not a build kit. A pack of 5 screws and a set of 10 washers cover targeted repairs; a full rig assembly needs a counted hardware plan.