Z-bend

Z-bend (Full Version)

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FCC -> Z-bend (4/21/2002 10:56:29 PM)
What is the best way to make a z bend without expensive tools?

rvd -> Z-bend (4/22/2002 1:26:32 AM)
Well once you have your spots marked where they have to be bent, you can do it with pliers if you are good or you can use a vise. Insert the rod in the vise right before the mark you made on the rod that lines up with the hold on the servo horn, then bend it to a 90 degree bend. make sure you bend the rod as close to the vise as possible when you bend so the 90 is a clean 90 not a rounded bend.. then simply do the same step for the last bend. always grab the rod as close to the vise as you can.

Birddog-RCU -> Z Bend tool not expensive (4/22/2002 2:12:36 AM)
If you are going to be making many Z bends, it pays to buy pliers made specifically for Z bending. They run around $17 US and are well worth it. And... they work!

tailskid -> Du-Bro's # 1 (4/22/2002 6:28:50 AM)
I think I've tried them all ( "Z-Bending") tools, and if you are using 2-56 sized rods, the Du-Bro bender is by far the best, with the Great Planes version coming in a close second. Third place is so far away - wayyyyyy back - Jerry

glowplug -> Z-bend (4/22/2002 7:38:12 PM)
If you don't have Z-bend pliers, try a "U" bend..... A guy that I bought a Tiger 2 off of had the pushrods bent this way, they work very well....I've been using U bends ever since.

Birddog-RCU -> U-bend (4/22/2002 9:23:07 PM)
That's a cool idea! I'm going to try that also. A good field repair idea just in case you need to fix a connection and don't have the Z-bend pliers.

wbrian -> Z-bend (4/24/2002 9:17:55 AM)
FYI --- U bend is not new! It’s partly why Z bend was developed. U bend by its nature has some slop that can cause flutter on some planes. It’s also really bad in high torque situations

Birddog-RCU -> New? (4/24/2002 11:01:29 AM)
It was new to me and sounds like a great field fix idea. I don't care about high torque as I don't fly those types of planes. I consider it a good idea even if it is old.

Ed Smith -> Z-bend (4/24/2002 5:47:41 PM)
The 'U' bend is a bad idea, originaly and as a quick fix. Why take a chance? If you can bend a 'U' bend you can make it a 'Z'bend. After the 'U' is bent, twist the short leg 180deg and you have a 'Z' bend. If you do not wish to buy pliers try this. In the vise make a 90 deg bend. Place the wire back in the vise with the short end sticking up, make another 90 deg bend. Now twist the short end 90 deg forward and you have a vee bend. That is what I used to do when Iwas too cheap to buy pliers. Ed S

wbrian -> Re: New? (4/24/2002 8:42:25 PM)
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Birddog It was new to me and sounds like a great field fix idea. I don't care about high torque as I don't fly those types of planes. I consider it a good idea even if it is old. [/QUOTE] Good point Birddog --- I'm converted see-ya at the crash corner :D

glowplug -> Z-bend (4/24/2002 9:01:59 PM)
If the U-bend is tight enough, there is absolutely no slop.

Birddog-RCU -> U-bend (4/24/2002 9:12:14 PM)
As I stated, it seems to me to be a good "field fix". I don't often take a vise out to the field and the pliers I have in my field box are not heavy duty. If it gets me back in the air AND is safe, I'll try it and use it. I will however build with the Z-bend because I have the right tools in my shop to do so.

wbrian -> Z-bend (4/24/2002 11:16:21 PM)
Birddog Most sensible people would consider flutter and loose controls to be dangerous. And although Glowplugs comment “If the U-bend is tight enough, there is absolutely no slop” is true, it does not take into account what happens to a control rod when you bend it that far back (it will break). Guys keep thinking outside the box – just don’t fly next to me !!!

Birddog-RCU -> Thanks (4/24/2002 11:45:21 PM)
Thanks! Glad to see you have all the answers. :rolleyes:

glowplug -> Z-bend (4/25/2002 12:15:09 AM)
The guy who's plane I bought that had U-bends on the pushrods has been flying for over 12 years, and flies in a manner that I can only dream......so he's somebody who's opinion I trust....he's never had a problem with any of his U-bends....and has been using them for years. If a control rod doesn't break when bent a perfect 90 degrees for a Z bend...it won't break with a U bend either. It's a curved bend....not an angle. Mike

wbrian -> Z-bend (4/25/2002 3:19:05 AM)
I will admit that it’s hard to argue against 12 years of experience that’s contrary to my position. I have only a couple of years under my belt and have not been able to make a tight U bend without going past 90 degrees. I guess us young people don’t bend steel like they used too, LOL

bigbri -> Z-bend (4/25/2002 4:06:36 AM)
I also know somebody that uses U bends. He has been using them for years and claims zero failures, but he is a very sedate flier. I will stick with Z bends. As far as using U bends instead of springing for a Z bender....well that Z bender will seem awefully inexpensive compared to the cost of new equipment if that U bend failes. My 2 cents Brian

Scorpionjack -> Z-bend (4/25/2002 6:07:42 AM)
This may seem wrong! But what the heck. If a pilot shows up to an event and his aircraft is inspected by the CD's appointed Safety inspectors. Who were briefed by the CD on required controls on a given surface of an aircraft as acceptable for competition. Then they would be allowed. But as a past CD and using various bends on aircraft for 42+ years, there is reason's to not allow U-Bend's. Safety, Safety, Safety! As stated by some modelers here in this forum U-Bends are susceptible to slop. Regardless of whether or not your friend has flown for 12 years the chance is there. Z-bends alleviate the chance of the control rod from slipping. Great planes quick connects are another example of what would prevent an aircraft from flying in the competition. Thats another thread if started. Even in the 50's we used Z-bends, people that use U-bends are just taking the easy way out of having to do it right. I would in Comp's allow a U-bend on Throttle and maybe Rudder but I would not allow any on aileron's and elevator.

tailskid -> "Z" bend can fail too! (4/25/2002 8:37:41 AM)
An improperly made 'Z' bend can and will fracture at the bend - and the chance of that happening is "more" likely to occur than a 'U' bend of the same material. And what about the 90 degree bend with a 'keeper' (nylon) holding it on? Now I don't think anyone is going to use a "U" bend on a $1000 airplane, but by the same thinking....would one use a "Z"-bend on that aircraft? Hope not!!! Jerry

Ed Smith -> Z-bend (4/25/2002 5:24:19 PM)
It was written:- >>Now I don't think anyone is going to use a "U" bend on a $1000 airplane, << My Q40 racer sitting on the start line is worth a lot more than $1000. We all use 'Z' bends. The NMPRA recommends them. If anybody had 'U' bends they would not race. If 'U' bends are as reliable as some claim here why would it not be used a a $1000 airplane? Most people miss the point of proper equipment and installation. Jack said it right, "Safety, safety, safety. Proper installation is not just for the preservation of the airplane. It is also to prevent the airplane from getting loose and doing damage. $1000 or $100 it makes no difference,both could injure somebody. Ed S

wbrian -> Z-bend (4/25/2002 6:49:01 PM)
Keeping in mind that a chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link one must consider the quality of the steel. Because of the high tension (but brittle when bent) steel rods available and not having a Spectra Analytical Instrument to check quality, I have gone away from bending any rods for critical connections. Perhaps the varied opinions on U bend or Z bend are a result of the steel more then it’s inherent limitations. Just a thought

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