Wing hold down bolts
 

I have several ARFs that use Metric #6 bolts about 1 1/2" long to hold the wing to the body of the plane. Although I try to keep track of these bolts they seem to get lost often. I would like to buy a dozen or so of these bolts to replace ones currently missing and to have some extras, but I can't seem to find a good source. The local hardware stores that carry metric bolts only have short bolts less than 1" and the ARF companys want $4 to $5 plus shipping for two bolts. The outfit that advertises cheap fasteners here on RC Universe doesn't seem to carry them. Anybody have a good, cheap source for these bolts?

RE: Wing hold down bolts
 

Lowe's, and Home Depot should have them. The other option is to simply change out the blind nuts and use standard sizes. Usually a simple thing to do. Thread a bold in a few threads and tap on it. The nut should come right loose. The next size up standard should fit right back in with a little tightening.

RE: Wing hold down bolts
 

I've found that ACE is the place to buy nylon bolts both metric and S.E.A. They have quite a selection. They also carry the nylon wasters.

RE: Wing hold down bolts
 

If the local Ace/Home Depot doesn't have what you need, I just looked at the MicroFasteners.com site and they have alloy socket head M6x50 or 60mm $2.90 for 10 bolts. I couldn't find anything in nylon.

Like Ram3500 suggested, I'd consider refitting the hold down blocks with 1/4x20 threads, and using nylon socket head bolts. I think you can get 50 of the 2" long bolts from MicroFasteners for around $3.50. You could use 1/4" blind nuts, or fill in the old holes with an epoxy/microballon mix and re-drill/re-tap the hold down blocks for SAE sizes.

Fred

RE: Wing hold down bolts
 

I always have good luck with Ace Hardware as well as OSH Hardware. There is also a small independent hardware store a few miles from me that has an outstanding fastener selection. www.mcmaster.com is another good online source for all sorts of things.

RE: Wing hold down bolts
 

ACE has a great fastener selection. The Lowes and Home Depot around here don't have metric nylon hardware.

RE: Wing hold down bolts
 

[8D]Thanks for the suggestions. I don't care if they are nylon since if I hit hard enough to break the nylon bolts, the damage done by the steel bolts is usually the least of my problems. Lowes and Homeless Depot don't carry the right metric sizes here in Las Vegas, but I will try ACE and then the suggested web sites.

RE: Wing hold down bolts
 

FASTENAL will either have them or can get them overnight. Price is very low. They either will have or can get just agout any fastner imaginable.
Also to eliminate loss, put a thin washer over the bolt followed by an "O" ring. The washer and "O" ring will prevent the bolts from falling out.

bhady

RE: Wing hold down bolts
 

If local sources do not get what you need, and if you do want nylon, this link gets you "close" at McMaster-Carr
http://www.mcmaster.com/#machine-screws/=5oq2ew
Click
> Machine screws
> under "material" click Plastic
> under "thread size" click M6
> choose a length, probably 50 mm
There are 8 options that cost about ten dollars for abox of 100.

I looked on the McMaster page for steel M6x50 pan head screws and the price is about the same as for nylon.

One of my instructors told me to cut an "X" in a CA hinge and slip it over the screw threads to keep the screws in the wing.

RE: Wing hold down bolts
 

For about 5 bucks you can get 1/4x20 nylon bolts
and 1/4 blind nuts at lowes.


That's what I use for wings and landing gear,

Bob