Help!! Lost Wing Bolt.
 

I have a Global Freestyle that lost one of its wing bolts sometime during its last flight. Luckily, the wing did not come off and the plane is OK. However, the wing bolts are metric 4mm x 40 mm. I have looked at all of the local hobby stores and at all of the online stores, and no one has 4 mm x 40 mm bolts. Does anyone know if there is a standard size bolt that would fit using the same blind nut that is already in the plane? Thanks.

DK

???
 

Hardware store..

Scott

Help!! Lost Wing Bolt.
 

Why don't you just change the blind nut to a standard size while you're at it. That way it will be easier to get the bolts when you lose them.

Help!! Lost Wing Bolt.
 

Most of us would never have a chance to WORRY about "replacing a wing bolt".....you're a Lucky Man... :D :D

Help!! Lost Wing Bolt.
 

Lowe's is the place for my replacement nylon wing bolts.
Amazing what you can find in all those cabinets. ;)

Help!! Lost Wing Bolt.
 

Go to Lowe's and look in the Specialty Fastener section. They will have a selection of blind nuts. An 8-32 will come close to being the same as 4mm. 40mm is about 1.5" so look for a 1.5 x 8-32 Allen screw. (37mm is actually 1.5") You could also get a 1/4-20 blind nut and use the nylon screws.

Help!! Lost Wing Bolt.
 

I do feel lucky! :) Must have fallen out near the end of the flight because I was wringing it out. I can't believe the wing didn't come off.

I checked Lowe's and Home Depot, and all I could find was a single 4mm x 40mm bolt. It didn't match the other one, but it did fit so I could fly today.

I would like to change to a more standard size with nylon bolts. What is the best way to get the old blind nuts out without damaging the wood? I can't really get to the underside because the area is very tight.

Help!! Lost Wing Bolt.
 

To get the blind nuts out, thread the bolt that you have part way into the nut and then tap the head of the bolt with a hammer until the blind nut comes out.