I went through all of this when I built my LT-40. Got it to the field for the first time, and found one of them cracked, so the instructor wouldn't fly it. My opinion. DON'T SOLDER. Use the Great Planes Nylon Faslink Connectors (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXK086&P=0 ) , measure the rod, cut it, bend it 90 degrees, and secure it with the nylon link. It won;t go anywhere with this on there, and no messy solder, flux or possible disengagement.