> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.purduesigbots.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.purduesigbots.com/hardware/lifts/best-practices.md). # Best Practices ## Bracing Bracing is the act of securing a lift with bars at the base of the lift, between different lift bars, and other places where there may be a need for structural support. Many teams iteratively find some of these areas as they test their design. This article further discusses the two most common types of bracing seen in good lift designs. Bracing is the most crucial aspect of designing a stable (and fast) lift. It may seem counter-intuitive, but adding weight for a better braced lift can often improve its speed. 2017-18's game ITZ and 2014-15's Skyrise caused a lot of the research into this topic. {% hint style="info" %} Note: All references to "X-by" refers to a c-channel of hole width X. {% endhint %} ## X-bracing ![5225A Lift](/files/-MDFIr4w3VdK4u8K6l1i) X bracing is the most common strategy used in bracing a lift. Structurally, it has strong tension, but not much else. As a result, it works well with 1 hole wide c-channel on the middle of a DR4b, for instance, but using c-channels won't give you much improvement. It also will not prevent twisting, which the main problem plaguing most VEX lifts. Be sure not to use this strategy with 1x metal, as it will likely have little noticeable impact. ## 5-by bracing Bracing with horizontal 5 hole wide C-Channels (often doubled up) was a common and very effective technique used by New Zealand teams in 2017-18's ITZ to brace the bottom section of DR4Bs. This is the most effective way to prevent the lift from twisting, and while the doubled 5-by is very heavy, the additional stability causes the lift's joints to be more efficient and the lift to be faster. To make this approach more effective, use shoulder screws to keep holes aligned better. ![Single 5-by Bracing on "Big Chungus" (BLRS Tower Takeover) ](/files/-MW7kfboaR1j0-j87lS1) ## Joints Joints are commonly used in lifts to reduce slop and friction. See [joints](/hardware/vex-joints.md) for more info. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://wiki.purduesigbots.com/hardware/lifts/best-practices.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.