cigolf

My topflite kit calls for me to drill and tap the wing bolt blocks. Although I've never done that before, it looks pretty straight forward. With the nylon bolts, is thi a preferred method to using blind nuts. I've used them before and it seems that they have less of a likelyhood to strip than hand made threads. Any suggestions? Thanks

Andy

ggale

My Feedback: (6)

If after you make the thread, and the nylon bolts fit good, soak the threads with thin CA. Threads will be good and solid, and you wont have to worry about them stripping

FlyingPilgrim

My Feedback: (26)

I don't know about preferred, but it works fine. If you aren't comfortable tapping the wood, use T-nuts (blind nuts), but you might want to put a dab of epoxy on them to make sure they don't fall out. I have tapped hardwood mounting blocks without any problems. Make sure to harden the threads with thin CA after tapping, then clean up threads with tap after CA cures.

rc-sport

My Feedback: (12)

I've used both methods and they both work well. I go to the hardware store to buy my nylon bolts, the 1/4-20 used for toilets. They work great.

CafeenMan

I wouldn't use T-nuts unless you taper the block so the nuts sit flush against while being 90 degrees to the bolt.

It's not hard to tap the wood blocks. Just get the wing lined up perfectly, take careful measurements and drill SLOWLY!

Do what ggale said and CA the threads. But then go back and tap them again after the CA has cured for several hours. Don't do it too soon or you'll end up with chewed up threads and ca gunk all over your tap.

cigolf

It seems that the angle of the bottom of the block would not be flush. I see your point. Well, "a tappin' we will go......"

Thanks for all your help!

Andy

Charlie P.

DuBro makes a brass insert bushing that is another option.

edberry22

I have used both methods, and have yet to get either to fail.
As long as they are done correctly, there isnt a problem.

ml3456

I tried the bushing and it tore up the wing block because it had such a course thread. Try tapping on some scrap wood first, and try it at an angle. I don't remember what size I used, but the drill size is slightly larger for wood than on metal.

Nylon screws, CA, then re-tap

Mark

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Just tap the block, and as previously mentioned, add thin CA, let it cure, and re-tap. This system works great.

Azcat59

Want an easy and safe method? Align the wing with the fuselage, drill through the wing and bolt block with a 1/8" drill. Then use #8 sheet metal screws, with the hex heads, and they will cut their own very nice, clean, and deep threads. With the hex head, no screw driver to slip off and ram through your wing.

Some will argue that the nylon bolts will fracture in a hard "landing" and save the wing and fuselage. Most that I have seen in 26 years tear a lot of stuff up before they fracture.

I also imbed 1/2" dowels in the wing, through which the holes are drilled, and I make sure the dowels bed against the fuselage bolt block. Then when the bolts are tightened up, it all has a solid "bottom" to it, with no stress on the wing or bolt blocks.

Clair Sieverling
AMA 15654

Azcat59

I forgot to add that you use a 1/4" nut driver to screw the wing down, so no screw driver to slip off and tear things up.

Clair

Kaos Rulz

Clair,

I like your dowel rod method. I'm going to use it on my next model. Thanks......

FLYBOY

My Feedback: (11)

Don't forget to use the correct size drill for the tap. If you are tapping a 1/4 inch bolt, don't use a 1/4 drill. I have seen that done before. Get the numbered drill when you buy the tap. They make better and stronger bolt holes.