This tough steel 33T Mod1 Safe-D8 Pinion Gear is the perfect part to carry in your RC tool box
Features
- Strong and durable steel for long-lasting performance in extreme RC conditions
- Precision manufactured wide tooth profile for smooth operation
- 'D' shaped hole to match motor shaft profile so drive and brakes are not lost if the set-screw backs-out
- Suits 8mm motor shaft diameter
- Precision manufactured threaded set-screw hole
- E-clip supplied for motor shaft pinion retention
Includes
1 x 33T Mod1 Safe-D8 Pinion Gear
1 x Set Screw - M4 x 4mm
1 x E-Clip - 6mm
Overview
The ARRMA Pinion Gear 33T Mod1 Safe-D8 is an essential replacement and upgrade component for RC enthusiasts across the UK who demand reliability and precision in their high-performance electric RC cars. Whether you're a seasoned competitor running brushless RC buggies and trucks, or a weekend basher looking to maintain your RC vehicle collection, this tough steel pinion gear represents the perfect addition to your RC toolbox. ARRMA has engineered this component with the demanding world of RC racing and extreme bashing in mind, ensuring that every tooth is manufactured to the highest specification for smooth, consistent power delivery to your motor.
This 33T pinion gear is specifically designed for 8mm motor shafts and features ARRMA's innovative Safe-D8 system — a precision-engineered safety feature that prevents catastrophic loss of drive and braking power if your set-screw accidentally backs out during intense RC driving sessions. For anyone running ARRMA RC cars, Losi platforms, or other RC vehicles with compatible 8mm motor shafts, this gear delivers the performance and reliability you expect from a quality UK RC retailer's stock. The Mod1 gear pitch specification ensures compatibility with standard RC motor and transmission combinations, making this a versatile upgrade option for competitive and recreational drivers alike.
Built from strong, durable steel rather than inferior aluminium alternatives, this pinion gear is engineered to withstand the extreme conditions that modern electric brushless RC cars and buggies encounter. The precision-manufactured wide tooth profile guarantees smooth operation even under full throttle acceleration and aggressive cornering. This is the kind of mission-critical component that separates reliable RC performance from constant breakdowns and frustration — it's why serious RC enthusiasts always carry spares in their toolbox.
Key Features
- Strong and Durable Steel Construction — Unlike cheaper aluminium pinion gears, this component is manufactured from tough steel that resists wear, stripping and permanent deformation even under the extreme loads generated by modern brushless RC motors and high-speed driving conditions.
- Safe-D8 Design with D-Shaped Hole — The innovative D-shaped bore matches your 8mm motor shaft profile precisely, meaning that even if the M4 set-screw backs out during intense RC action, your drive and braking systems remain fully engaged, preventing loss of control and potential crashes.
- Precision Manufactured Wide Tooth Profile — Each of the 33 teeth is engineered with a wide profile that distributes load more evenly across the gear mesh, resulting in smoother power delivery, reduced noise and vibration, and longer overall component lifespan in your RC vehicle.
- 33T Mod1 Specification — The 33-tooth count combined with Mod1 (metric module 1) pitch specification ensures compatibility with standard ARRMA motors and transmissions, whilst offering the right balance of acceleration and top speed for competitive and recreational RC driving.
- Suits 8mm Motor Shaft Diameter — This pinion gear is specifically engineered for the industry-standard 8mm motor shaft size, making it compatible with most modern brushless RC motors used in 1/10-scale electric RC buggies, trucks and short course vehicles.
- Precision Threaded Set-Screw Hole — The M4 x 4mm set-screw hole is precisely threaded to ensure a secure, vibration-resistant connection that holds your pinion firmly in place, with the E-clip providing additional shaft retention as a safety backup.
- E-Clip Shaft Retention Included — The supplied 6mm E-clip acts as a mechanical safety device, preventing your pinion gear from sliding off the motor shaft even if the set-screw fails, providing peace of mind during high-speed RC driving.
Technical Performance
This ARRMA pinion gear represents the pinnacle of RC gear engineering, crafted from premium steel that delivers measurably superior performance compared to cast or aluminium alternatives commonly found in budget RC online retailers. The 33-tooth configuration at Mod1 pitch provides an ideal balance for competitive and recreational brushless RC vehicles, delivering responsive acceleration whilst maintaining respectable top-end speed. The precision-manufactured tooth profile has been engineered to mate perfectly with standard RC spur gears, ensuring minimal backlash and maximum efficiency in power transfer from your brushless motor to your vehicle's transmission. The Safe-D8 bore system represents genuine innovation in RC safety engineering — the D-shaped hole conforms precisely to your 8mm motor shaft, meaning that mechanical drive engagement is maintained even if your set-screw vibrates loose during high-speed cornering or aggressive acceleration. This is the difference between a pinion gear that simply slides on and one that's engineered for the real-world stresses of modern RC driving. Every component supplied — the gear itself, the M4 x 4mm set-screw and the 6mm E-clip — has been designed to work as a coordinated system, eliminating compatibility issues and ensuring reliable performance whether you're running 2WD or 4WD electric RC buggies, short course trucks or dedicated race platforms.
What's in the Box
- 1 x 33T Mod1 Safe-D8 Pinion Gear
- 1 x M4 x 4mm Set Screw
- 1 x 6mm E-Clip
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Safe-D8 and why does my RC car need it? — Safe-D8 is ARRMA's proprietary safety system featuring a D-shaped bore that matches your 8mm motor shaft profile. In traditional pinion gears, if the set-screw backs out during intense RC driving, you lose drive and brake power immediately. With Safe-D8, the mechanical D-shaped engagement keeps your drive system operational even if vibration loosens the screw, preventing loss of control during critical moments in competitive racing or aggressive bashing.
- Is this 33T pinion suitable for high-speed racing or more general-purpose RC driving? — The 33-tooth specification represents an excellent all-rounder for both competitive racing and recreational RC use. It provides responsive acceleration suitable for tight race tracks and technical courses, whilst maintaining enough top-end speed for open field bashing. For higher top speeds, you might consider a lower tooth count; for more aggressive acceleration, look at higher counts.
- How do I know if this pinion gear is compatible with my RC car? — This gear is designed for 8mm motor shafts with Mod1 pitch specification. Check your vehicle's motor shaft diameter (most modern brushless RC cars use 8mm) and your existing pinion gear tooth count and pitch — if your motor takes an 8mm shaft and uses Mod1 gears, this is fully compatible. It works with ARRMA vehicles and many other quality RC brands including Losi platforms.
- What is the difference between this steel pinion and cheaper aluminium alternatives? — Steel pinions like this one resist tooth stripping, bending and permanent deformation far better than aluminium. During high-throttle acceleration or heavy impacts, aluminium gears can strip their teeth or bend the bore, causing immediate loss of drive. Steel maintains its precision and dimensional stability, delivering thousands of bashing runs or competitive race heats before replacement becomes necessary.
- Will this pinion gear fit my existing motor? — Yes, provided your motor has a standard 8mm shaft diameter. The Safe-D8 D-shaped bore is engineered to fit all industry-standard 8mm shafts. We recommend checking your motor's shaft diameter before ordering if you're unsure — most modern brushless RC motors use 8mm, but some vintage or specialty motors may differ.
- Do I need to carry spare pinion gears for RC competitions? — Absolutely. Serious RC racers and bashers always carry at least one spare pinion gear in their toolbox. Impact damage, accidental tooth stripping or set-screw loss can happen at any moment during competition or play. Having a spare means you can get back on the track or field within minutes rather than abandoning your RC day — this is precisely why this gear makes such a valuable toolbox addition.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the ARRMA Pinion Gear, 33T Mod1 Safe-D8 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
We want to make sure your delivery goes smoothly, so here are some important details about our service:
- For orders above £120, we offer delivery to most mainland UK addresses. For orders under £120, we can still deliver to Northern Ireland and the outlying isles, as long as the item can be sent by Royal Mail, weighs less than 30kg, and fits within 61cm × 46cm × 46cm. Some highland and remote areas may carry an extra delivery charge as couriers often apply surcharges in these locations. If you live in one of these areas, feel free to contact us before ordering so we can confirm the delivery options and costs for you.
- Most of our products include delivery in the price. If your order is under £90, a small delivery fee will apply but do not worry this will always be clearly shown at checkout before you complete your purchase.
- Depending on what you choose at checkout, your order will usually be delivered either the next working day or within 2 working days. For next day delivery please place your order before 2:00pm. Orders are dispatched Monday to Friday only. Some items may take a little longer and if that is the case we will always show the expected delivery time on the product page.
- If your order includes items with different dispatch times we will normally wait and send everything together once all items are in stock. If one of the items is going to take a while we will give you the choice either wait for everything to arrive or let us send the available items now and deliver the rest later. It is up to you.
- We use trusted delivery partners to make sure your order gets to you safely and on time. We use DPD for next working day deliveries and Royal Mail for the 2 day option.
- As soon as your order is on its way we will send you a tracking number by email. If you provide your mobile number at checkout we will also send delivery updates straight to your phone so you can keep an eye on progress.
- If a product is marked as "Dispatched within 3 working days" delivery usually takes around 3 to 5 working days from when your order is placed.
- For customers in Inverness and other parts of the Scottish Highlands deliveries can take up to 2 working days even if you select next day delivery as couriers do not currently offer a guaranteed next day service to those areas.