Here is a new method for attaching tread to an AndyMark
performance wheel. This method was designed and tested by three
experienced FIRSTers, Aren Hill, Austin Schuh, and Adam Heard, during
the 2012 FRC season.
In this design, the tread, wraps around the
wheel, through a slot, and is secured with a zip-tie to an anchor
point. The pictures below show tread being attached to a 4" Performance
Wheel. 6" and 8" wheels follow the same steps. Here is the
recommended method for installation:
-
Prepare tread: Cut
tread to a length long enough to wrap around the wheel with a 1”
overlap. Narrow each end of the tread about 3/16” on each side, leaving
about 1/2" to 5/8" tab centered on the tread. This allows excess length
of tread to fit through the slot and into the center of the wheel. To
make assembly easier, it is also useful to sand down the tread on the
narrowed ends. Make one hole on each end centered at minimum 0.25” away
from the end of the tread to allow a ziptie to pass through.
- Put both ends of the tread together with the rubber sides facing
each other. Place a strong ziptie (am-1189 recommended) through the
holes in the tread. Do not connect and close the ziptie yet!
-
Thread the ziptie and the ends of the tread through the slot on the performance wheel.
- Flip the tread so the rubber side is facing outwards and wrap around wheel.
- Secure zip tie to the anchor point between the wheel spokes.
- Congratulations! Your wheel is complete.
wheels with green grippy tread 
