Hello there.

As a total beginner to the hobby, I am just putting my 1st ARTF together. The Push Rod on the Elevators is slightly too long, but overly long to be just trimmed out.

The question is, what is the best way to put a new bend in the push rod? Is there a set way to do this with a tool or something, or just to go ahead and bend it?

Need more info in order to help you. what type of push rod? What type of ends?

A tool is best used to install Z bends in the wire

Hmm, no idea, they came with the kit, attached a couple of small jpegs to show them..............

And another

I take it I'd get this tool at my LHS???

If its just a bit too long, just make the bends there right before the horn a bit sharper to take up the extra length. That is an old method of adjustment on small planes.

Cheers Tom, that is most helpful, will let yer know how I get on......

Another easy way to control the slack in your pushrods is to use EZ Connectors. They are the best way in my opinion for adjusting push rods. you can use the Z Bend method that you are using now on the tail, and attach these :

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...1&I=LXD925&P=0

to your servo arm. The pushrod goes through the connector, and the screw on top of the EZ Connector tightens down to the length needed.

What size (engine size) plane is that anyway? If it's a 25 or larger, I'd get rid of those flimsey pushrods anyway.

Its only a small RTF Foamy with a 180 motor in it, my 1st plane for learning on

Good luck man! I hope it gives you many hours of......"crash repair" lol, I mean many hours of fun and enjoyment!

Heh heh, know what you mean. My mate also got a T-Hawk at the same time, and had a bit of an accident tonight, hitting a tree. I've attached a couple of jpg's, one of the wing, one of the tail. Do you think this would be repairable and how would he go about it?
Wing:

Crack in tail

The small dent in the wing will not be a problem unless it's caused a stress crack in the foam that your pic doesn't show. Flex it gently or simulate a flight load by holding it up by the wing tips to ensure a crack doesn't open near that dent.

The tail crack will be another issue. Flight loads will cause it to move and it will break off pretty quick. Clear packing tape might hold it for a quick repair. 5min epoxy or foam safe CA will make a good permanent fix. I might be tempted to take the fin-rudder off so I could get the stab nice and straight. Depends if you can get the fin-rudder off without dammage. Epoxy will add a significant amount of weight so check the CG again after the repair.