RTF Hinge Question
03-27-2004, 07:52 AM
#1
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RTF Hinge Question
Hello all,
Rookie pilot here with a question about hinges in RTF Planes.
I have read some of the posts about hinges pulling out of planes from not being glued right, and was wondering if it would be a good, or bad idea to drill small holes in the wings and flaps, through the hinge points, and insert some small pins? Would this add insurance, or undue stress to the light wood?
I had this happen to me recently, and while waiting on a replacement, and reliving the experience of watching my new plane turn into a lawn dart, I cant help but want to think of ways to add peace of mind from this happening again.
Just wondering, and thanks in advance for any in-put.
Rookie pilot here with a question about hinges in RTF Planes.
I have read some of the posts about hinges pulling out of planes from not being glued right, and was wondering if it would be a good, or bad idea to drill small holes in the wings and flaps, through the hinge points, and insert some small pins? Would this add insurance, or undue stress to the light wood?
I had this happen to me recently, and while waiting on a replacement, and reliving the experience of watching my new plane turn into a lawn dart, I cant help but want to think of ways to add peace of mind from this happening again.
Just wondering, and thanks in advance for any in-put.
03-27-2004, 08:16 AM
#2
RE: RTF Hinge Question
Some people use pins. You may be able to push them through without drilling.
I personally use cocktail sticks. I drill a small hole, cut a suitable size piece of stick and smother it in PVA and push it in. Voila!
I have never had a hinge fail yet.
I personally use cocktail sticks. I drill a small hole, cut a suitable size piece of stick and smother it in PVA and push it in. Voila!
I have never had a hinge fail yet.
03-27-2004, 12:06 PM
#3
RE: RTF Hinge Question
It would be a good idea to just pull on the control surfaces prior to the first flight. Give them a GOOD tug. If you can't pull them loose, you should be ok.
Nothing wrong with adding a pin though, Toothpicks are a favorite choice of many, but another way I have used which works very well (An is very easy too) is to poke a straight pin through the surface, and just as you feel it break through the hinge, stop, and cut it off with a cutting plier. Now, there's a little stub still protruding, push that stub just under the surface. If you got it right, the pin won't be sticking out of either side, and all you have to show for it is a pin hole (Preferably on the underside).
Nothing wrong with adding a pin though, Toothpicks are a favorite choice of many, but another way I have used which works very well (An is very easy too) is to poke a straight pin through the surface, and just as you feel it break through the hinge, stop, and cut it off with a cutting plier. Now, there's a little stub still protruding, push that stub just under the surface. If you got it right, the pin won't be sticking out of either side, and all you have to show for it is a pin hole (Preferably on the underside).
