diff --git a/beziers.scad b/beziers.scad
index 80a2c5c..e187885 100644
--- a/beziers.scad
+++ b/beziers.scad
@@ -1309,7 +1309,8 @@ function bezier_vnf_degenerate_patch(patch, splinesteps=16, reverse=false, retur
 //       [  5,  10],  [  0,  10]
 //   ];
 //   debug_bezier(bez, N=3, width=0.5);
-module debug_bezier(bezpath, width=1, N=3) { 
+module debug_bezier(bezpath, width=1, N=3) {
+    no_children($children);
     assert(is_path(bezpath));
     assert(is_int(N));
     assert(len(bezpath)%N == 1, str("A degree ",N," bezier path shound have a multiple of ",N," points in it, plus 1."));
@@ -1372,6 +1373,7 @@ module debug_bezier(bezpath, width=1, N=3) {
 //   debug_bezier_patches(patches=[patch1, patch2], splinesteps=8, showcps=true);
 module debug_bezier_patches(patches=[], size, splinesteps=16, showcps=true, showdots=false, showpatch=true, convexity=10, style="default")
 {
+    no_children($children);
     assert(is_undef(size)||is_num(size));
     assert(is_int(splinesteps) && splinesteps>0);
     assert(is_list(patches) && all([for (patch=patches) is_bezier_patch(patch)]));
diff --git a/constants.scad b/constants.scad
index 003434a..23f8acb 100644
--- a/constants.scad
+++ b/constants.scad
@@ -22,6 +22,11 @@ _UNDEF="LRG+HX7dy89RyHvDlAKvb9Y04OTuaikpx205CTh8BSI";
 //   `2*$slop` to each side.  This should be done for both X and Y axes.  The Z axis will require a
 //   slop that depends on your layer height and bridging settings, and hole sizes.  We leave that as
 //   a more complicated exercise for the user.
+//   .
+//   Note that the slop value is accessed using the {{get_slop()}} function.  This function provides
+//   the default value of 0 if you have not set `$slop`. This approach makes it possible for you to
+//   set `$slop` in your programs without experiencing peculiar OpenSCAD issues having to do with multiple
+//   definitions of the variable.  If you write code that uses `$slop` be sure to reference it using {{get_slop()}}. 
 // DefineHeader(NumList): Calibration
 // Calibration: To calibrate the `$slop` value for your printer, follow this procedure:
 //   Print the Slop Calibration part from the example below.
@@ -92,7 +97,14 @@ _UNDEF="LRG+HX7dy89RyHvDlAKvb9Y04OTuaikpx205CTh8BSI";
 //         text("gap", size=1.5, halign="center");
 //     }
 //   }
-$slop = 0.0;
+
+// Function: get_slop()
+// Usage:
+//    slop = get_slop();
+// Description:
+//    Returns the current $slop value, or the default value if the user did not set $slop.
+//    Always acess the `$slop` variable using this function.  
+function get_slop() = is_undef($slop) ? 0 : $slop;
 
 
 // Constant: INCH
diff --git a/cubetruss.scad b/cubetruss.scad
index 3a8d85f..b64b6ec 100644
--- a/cubetruss.scad
+++ b/cubetruss.scad
@@ -204,11 +204,11 @@ module cubetruss_clip(extents=1, size, strut, clipthick, anchor=CENTER, spin=0,
                             }
                         }
                         fwd(strut*3/2) {
-                            cube([$slop, strut*3, size], center=true);
+                            cube([get_slop(), strut*3, size], center=true);
                         }
                     }
-                    right($slop/2+0.01) {
-                        fwd(strut*1.25+$slop) {
+                    right(get_slop()/2+0.01) {
+                        fwd(strut*1.25+get_slop()) {
                             yrot(-90) prismoid([clipheight-cliplen*2, strut/2], [clipheight-cliplen*2-2*clipsize, strut/2], h=clipsize+0.01);
                         }
                     }
@@ -268,7 +268,7 @@ module cubetruss_foot(w=1, size, strut, clipthick, anchor=CENTER, spin=0, orient
             }
 
             // Horiz Wall Clips
-            up(clipthick+strut+$slop*2) {
+            up(clipthick+strut+get_slop()*2) {
                 xcopies(w*(size-strut)+strut) {
                     prismoid([clipsize*2, size/3.5], [0.1, size/3.5], h=clipsize*3, anchor=BOT);
                 }
@@ -280,19 +280,19 @@ module cubetruss_foot(w=1, size, strut, clipthick, anchor=CENTER, spin=0, orient
                     difference() {
                         // Start with octagon to fit sides.
                         up(clipthick-0.01) {
-                            zrot(180/8) cylinder(h=strut, d1=cyld-4*$slop, d2=cyld-4*$slop-1, center=false, $fn=8);
+                            zrot(180/8) cylinder(h=strut, d1=cyld-4*get_slop(), d2=cyld-4*get_slop()-1, center=false, $fn=8);
                         }
 
                         // Bevel to fit.
                         up(clipthick+strut) {
-                            ycopies(size-2*strut-4*$slop) {
+                            ycopies(size-2*strut-4*get_slop()) {
                                 chamfer_edge_mask(l=size-strut, chamfer=strut*2/3, orient=RIGHT);
                             }
                         }
 
                         // Cut out X for possible top mount.
                         zrot_copies([-45, 45]) {
-                            cube([size*3, strut/sqrt(2)+2*$slop, size*3], center=true);
+                            cube([size*3, strut/sqrt(2)+2*get_slop(), size*3], center=true);
                         }
                     }
                 }
@@ -354,7 +354,7 @@ module cubetruss_joiner(w=1, vert=true, size, strut, clipthick, anchor=CENTER, s
                 // Vert Wall Clips
                 up(size/2) {
                     xflip_copy(offset=(w*(size-strut)+strut+0.02)/2) {
-                        yflip_copy(offset=strut+$slop/2) {
+                        yflip_copy(offset=strut+get_slop()/2) {
                             yrot(-90) {
                                 back_half() {
                                     prismoid([size/3.5, clipthick*2], [size/3.5-4*2*clipsize, 0.1], h=2*clipsize, anchor=BOT);
@@ -393,15 +393,15 @@ module cubetruss_uclip(dual=true, size, strut, clipthick, anchor=CENTER, spin=0,
     strut = is_undef(strut)? $cubetruss_strut_size : strut;
     clipthick = is_undef(clipthick)? $cubetruss_clip_thickness : clipthick;
     clipsize = 0.5;
-    s = [(dual?2:1)*strut+2*clipthick+$slop, strut+2*clipthick, size/3.5];
+    s = [(dual?2:1)*strut+2*clipthick+get_slop(), strut+2*clipthick, size/3.5];
     attachable(anchor,spin,orient, size=s) {
         union() {
             difference() {
                 cube(s, center=true);
-                back(clipthick) cube([(dual?2:1)*strut+$slop, strut+2*clipthick, size+1], center=true);
+                back(clipthick) cube([(dual?2:1)*strut+get_slop(), strut+2*clipthick, size+1], center=true);
             }
-            back((strut+$slop)/2) {
-                xflip_copy(offset=(dual?1:0.5)*strut+$slop/2) {
+            back((strut+get_slop())/2) {
+                xflip_copy(offset=(dual?1:0.5)*strut+get_slop()/2) {
                     yrot(-90) {
                         back_half() {
                             prismoid([size/3.5, clipthick*1.87], [size/3.5, 0.1], h=clipsize, anchor=BOT);
diff --git a/drawing.scad b/drawing.scad
index 6310afd..953ef0e 100644
--- a/drawing.scad
+++ b/drawing.scad
@@ -1127,6 +1127,7 @@ function _turtle_command(command, parm, parm2, state, index) =
 //   );
 module debug_polygon(points, paths, vertices=true, edges=true, convexity=2, size=1)
 {
+    no_children($children);
     paths = is_undef(paths)? [count(points)] :
         is_num(paths[0])? [paths] :
         paths;
diff --git a/gears.scad b/gears.scad
index a24b8c6..bc616bf 100644
--- a/gears.scad
+++ b/gears.scad
@@ -1202,6 +1202,7 @@ module _gear_tooth_profile(
     center = false,
     mod
 ) {
+    no_children($children);
     pitch = is_undef(mod) ? pitch : pitch_value(mod);
     r = _root_radius(pitch, teeth, clearance, interior);
     fwd(r)
diff --git a/hingesnaps.scad b/hingesnaps.scad
index 5eafb7a..ad91a38 100644
--- a/hingesnaps.scad
+++ b/hingesnaps.scad
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@
 //   }
 module apply_folding_hinges_and_snaps(thick, foldangle=90, hinges=[], snaps=[], sockets=[], snaplen=5, snapdiam=5, hingegap=undef, layerheight=0.2)
 {
-    hingegap = default(hingegap, layerheight)+2*$slop;
+    hingegap = default(hingegap, layerheight)+2*get_slop();
     difference() {
         children();
         for (hinge = hinges) {
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ module apply_folding_hinges_and_snaps(thick, foldangle=90, hinges=[], snaps=[],
 //   folding_hinge_mask(l=100, thick=3, foldangle=60);
 module folding_hinge_mask(l, thick, layerheight=0.2, foldangle=90, hingegap=undef, anchor=CENTER, spin=0, orient=UP)
 {
-    hingegap = default(hingegap, layerheight)+2*$slop;
+    hingegap = default(hingegap, layerheight)+2*get_slop();
     size = [l, hingegap, 2*thick];
     size2 = [l, hingegap+2*thick*tan(foldangle/2)];
     attachable(anchor,spin,orient, size=size, size2=size2) {
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ module folding_hinge_mask(l, thick, layerheight=0.2, foldangle=90, hingegap=unde
 //   snap_lock(thick=3, foldangle=60);
 module snap_lock(thick, snaplen=5, snapdiam=5, layerheight=0.2, foldangle=90, hingegap=undef, anchor=CENTER, spin=0, orient=UP)
 {
-    hingegap = default(hingegap, layerheight)+2*$slop;
+    hingegap = default(hingegap, layerheight)+2*get_slop();
     snap_x = (snapdiam/2) / tan(foldangle/2) + (thick-2*layerheight)/tan(foldangle/2) + hingegap/2;
     size = [snaplen, snapdiam, 2*thick];
     attachable(anchor,spin,orient, size=size) {
@@ -176,12 +176,12 @@ module snap_lock(thick, snaplen=5, snapdiam=5, layerheight=0.2, foldangle=90, hi
 //   snap_socket(thick=3, foldangle=60);
 module snap_socket(thick, snaplen=5, snapdiam=5, layerheight=0.2, foldangle=90, hingegap=undef, anchor=CENTER, spin=0, orient=UP)
 {
-    hingegap = default(hingegap, layerheight)+2*$slop;
+    hingegap = default(hingegap, layerheight)+2*get_slop();
     snap_x = (snapdiam/2) / tan(foldangle/2) + (thick-2*layerheight)/tan(foldangle/2) + hingegap/2;
     size = [snaplen, snapdiam, 2*thick];
     attachable(anchor,spin,orient, size=size) {
         fwd(snap_x) {
-            zrot_copies([0,180], r=snaplen+$slop) {
+            zrot_copies([0,180], r=snaplen+get_slop()) {
                 diff("divot")
                 cube([snaplen, snapdiam, snapdiam/2+thick], anchor=BOT) {
                     attach(TOP) xcyl(l=snaplen, d=snapdiam, $fn=16);
diff --git a/joiners.scad b/joiners.scad
index b6c8ebb..084c0fc 100644
--- a/joiners.scad
+++ b/joiners.scad
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ module half_joiner(h=20, w=10, l=10, a=30, screwsize=undef, guides=true, anchor=
                                     cube([w+1, guide_width+1, h+1], anchor=FWD+BOT);
 
                     // Clear sides
-                    xcopies(2*w*2/3-$slop*2) {
+                    xcopies(2*w*2/3-get_slop()*2) {
                         cube([w, guide_width, h/3], center=true);
                         fwd(guide_width/2)
                             yrot_copies(n=2)
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ module half_joiner(h=20, w=10, l=10, a=30, screwsize=undef, guides=true, anchor=
 
                 // Guide ridges.
                 if (guides == true) {
-                    xcopies(w/3-$slop*2) {
+                    xcopies(w/3-get_slop()*2) {
                         // Guide ridge.
                         fwd(0.05/2) {
                             scale([0.75, 1, 2]) yrot(45)
@@ -325,7 +325,7 @@ module joiner_pair_clear(spacing=100, n=2, h=40, w=10, a=30, clearance=0, overla
 //   anchor = Translate so anchor point is at origin (0,0,0).  See [anchor](attachments.scad#subsection-anchor).  Default: `CENTER`
 //   spin = Rotate this many degrees around the Z axis after anchor.  See [spin](attachments.scad#subsection-spin).  Default: `0`
 //   orient = Vector to rotate top towards, after spin.  See [orient](attachments.scad#subsection-orient).  Default: `UP`
-//   $slop = Printer specific slop value to make parts fit more closely.
+//   get_slop() = Printer specific slop value to make parts fit more closely.
 // Example(FlatSpin,VPD=200):
 //   joiner_pair(spacing=50, l=10);
 // Examples:
@@ -540,7 +540,7 @@ module dovetail(gender, width, height, slide, h, w, angle, slope, taper, back_wi
     assert(count3<=1 || (radius==0 && chamfer==0), "Do not specify both chamfer and radius");
     slope = is_def(slope) ? slope :
         is_def(angle) ? 1/tan(angle) :  6;
-    extra_slop = gender == "female" ? 2*$slop : 0;
+    extra_slop = gender == "female" ? 2*get_slop() : 0;
     width = w + extra_slop;
     height = h + extra_slop;
     back_width = u_add(back_width, extra_slop);
diff --git a/nema_steppers.scad b/nema_steppers.scad
index 085fbfd..e1341ef 100644
--- a/nema_steppers.scad
+++ b/nema_steppers.scad
@@ -469,9 +469,9 @@ module nema34_stepper(h=75, shaft=12.7, shaft_len=32, anchor=TOP, spin=0, orient
 module nema_mount_holes(size=17, depth=5, l=5, anchor=CENTER, spin=0, orient=UP)
 {
     motor_width = nema_motor_width(size);
-    plinth_diam = nema_motor_plinth_diam(size)+$slop;
+    plinth_diam = nema_motor_plinth_diam(size)+get_slop();
     screw_spacing = nema_motor_screw_spacing(size);
-    screw_size = nema_motor_screw_size(size)+$slop;
+    screw_size = nema_motor_screw_size(size)+get_slop();
 
     anchors = [
         named_anchor("screw1", [+screw_spacing/2, +screw_spacing/2, depth/2]),
diff --git a/partitions.scad b/partitions.scad
index 77f750f..55ccee1 100644
--- a/partitions.scad
+++ b/partitions.scad
@@ -432,13 +432,13 @@ module partition_mask(l=100, w=100, h=100, cutsize=10, cutpath="jigsaw", gap=0,
     cutsize = is_vector(cutsize)? point2d(cutsize) : [cutsize*2, cutsize];
     path = _partition_cutpath(l, h, cutsize, cutpath, gap);
     midpath = select(path,1,-2);
-    sizepath = concat([path[0]+[-$slop,0]], midpath, [last(path)+[$slop,0]], [[+(l/2+$slop), (w+$slop)*(inverse?-1:1)], [-(l/2+$slop), (w+$slop)*(inverse?-1:1)]]);
+    sizepath = concat([path[0]+[-get_slop(),0]], midpath, [last(path)+[get_slop(),0]], [[+(l/2+get_slop()), (w+get_slop())*(inverse?-1:1)], [-(l/2+get_slop()), (w+get_slop())*(inverse?-1:1)]]);
     bnds = pointlist_bounds(sizepath);
     fullpath = concat(path, [[last(path).x, w*(inverse?-1:1)], [path[0].x, w*(inverse?-1:1)]]);
     attachable(anchor,spin,orient, size=point3d(bnds[1]-bnds[0],h)) {
         linear_extrude(height=h, center=true, convexity=10) {
             intersection() {
-                offset(delta=-$slop) polygon(fullpath);
+                offset(delta=-get_slop()) polygon(fullpath);
                 square([l, w*2], center=true);
             }
         }
@@ -483,7 +483,7 @@ module partition_cut_mask(l=100, h=100, cutsize=10, cutpath="jigsaw", gap=0, anc
     path = _partition_cutpath(l, h, cutsize, cutpath, gap);
     attachable(anchor,spin,orient, size=[l,cutsize.y,h]) {
         linear_extrude(height=h, center=true, convexity=10) {
-            stroke(path, width=max(0.1, $slop*2));
+            stroke(path, width=max(0.1, get_slop()*2));
         }
         children();
     }
diff --git a/screw_drive.scad b/screw_drive.scad
index 435029d..d04378d 100644
--- a/screw_drive.scad
+++ b/screw_drive.scad
@@ -164,6 +164,7 @@ module torx_mask(size, l=5, center, anchor, spin=0, orient=UP) {
 // Example(2D):
 //   torx_mask2d(size=30, $fa=1, $fs=1);
 module torx_mask2d(size) {
+    no_children($children);
     od = torx_diam(size);
     id = _torx_inner_diam(size);
     tip = _torx_tip_radius(size);
@@ -360,7 +361,7 @@ module robertson_mask(size, extra=1, ang=2.5) {
     Fmax = [0.038, 0.065, 0.075, 0.095, 0.100][size];
     F = (Fmin + Fmax) / 2 * INCH;
     h = T + extra;
-    Mslop=M+2*$slop;
+    Mslop=M+2*get_slop();
     down(T) {
         intersection(){
             Mtop = Mslop + 2*adj_ang_to_opp(F+extra,ang);
diff --git a/sliders.scad b/sliders.scad
index a983d9f..8b2ab89 100644
--- a/sliders.scad
+++ b/sliders.scad
@@ -41,16 +41,16 @@ module slider(l=30, w=10, h=10, base=10, wall=5, ang=30, anchor=BOTTOM, spin=0,
         zrot(90)
         down(base+h/2) {
             // Base
-            cuboid([full_width, l, base-$slop], chamfer=2, edges=[FRONT,BACK], except_edges=BOT, anchor=BOTTOM);
+            cuboid([full_width, l, base-get_slop()], chamfer=2, edges=[FRONT,BACK], except_edges=BOT, anchor=BOTTOM);
 
             // Wall
-            xflip_copy(offset=w/2+$slop) {
+            xflip_copy(offset=w/2+get_slop()) {
                 cuboid([wall, l, full_height], chamfer=2, edges=RIGHT, except_edges=BOT, anchor=BOTTOM+LEFT);
             }
 
             // Sliders
             up(base+h/2) {
-                xflip_copy(offset=w/2+$slop+0.02) {
+                xflip_copy(offset=w/2+get_slop()+0.02) {
                     bev_h = h/2*tan(ang);
                     prismoid([h, l], [0, l-w], h=bev_h+0.01, orient=LEFT, anchor=BOT);
                 }
diff --git a/threading.scad b/threading.scad
index bc97217..361983a 100644
--- a/threading.scad
+++ b/threading.scad
@@ -539,7 +539,7 @@ module acme_threaded_nut(
 //   anchor = Translate so anchor point is at origin (0,0,0).  See [anchor](attachments.scad#subsection-anchor).  Default: `CENTER`
 //   spin = Rotate this many degrees around the Z axis after anchor.  See [spin](attachments.scad#subsection-spin).  Default: `0`
 //   orient = Vector to rotate top towards, after spin.  See [orient](attachments.scad#subsection-orient).  Default: `UP`
-//   $slop = The printer-specific slop value, which adds clearance (`4*$slop`) to internal threads.p
+//   $slop = The printer-specific slop value, which adds clearance (`4*$slop`) to internal threads.
 // Example(2D): The straight gray rectangle reveals the tapered threads.  
 //   projection(cut=true) npt_threaded_rod(size=1/4, orient=BACK);
 //   right(.533*INCH/2) color("gray") rect([2,0.5946*INCH],anchor=LEFT);
@@ -1075,7 +1075,7 @@ module generic_threaded_rod(
     r2 = get_radius(d1=d2, d=d);
     sides = quantup(segs(max(r1,r2)), starts);
     rsc = internal? (1/cos(180/sides)) : 1;
-    islop = internal? 2*$slop : 0;
+    islop = internal? 2*get_slop() : 0;
     _r1 = r1 * rsc + islop;
     _r2 = r2 * rsc + islop;
     threads = quantup(l/pitch+2,1); // Was quantup(1/pitch+2,2*starts);