Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Airplanes > Beginners
Hinge Gaps Sealed? >

Hinge Gaps Sealed?

Community
Search
Notices
Beginners Beginners in RC start here for help.

Hinge Gaps Sealed?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-06-2003 | 01:54 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
My Feedback: (10)
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 818
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Jonesboro, GA
Default Hinge Gaps Sealed?

Could someone please explain what it means to seal your hinge gaps? Not quite sure. Thanks fellas.
Old 04-06-2003 | 09:49 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,251
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Crete, IL
Default Hinge Gaps Sealed?

Sealing the hinge gap means using a strip of Monocote or Ultracote ironed on the bottom side of the gap so air can't slip thru while in flight. Some people use clear packing tape but I prefer to use covering.
Old 04-07-2003 | 12:35 AM
  #3  
NOVAflier's Avatar
Senior Member
My Feedback: (21)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 948
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Alexandria, VA
Default Hinge Gaps Sealed?

I was instructed to do this today by my instructor. We had a problem with fluttering of the ailerons and he suggested I use packing tape. Since I have a ton of ultracote left, I will probably use that.

He told me to extend the aileron up all the way, hold it there, apply the tape then when it goes back to neutral, the slack should go in between. Is this the correct/best known method?
Old 04-07-2003 | 12:45 AM
  #4  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
My Feedback: (10)
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 818
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Jonesboro, GA
Default Hinge Gaps Sealed?

That's what I was wondering too. If I use ultrakote/monokote, then should I use the same method and just use the sealing iron to make it adhere the best I can? Thanks fellas.
Old 04-07-2003 | 01:12 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
My Feedback: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 656
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Canyon Country, CA
Default Hinge Gaps Sealed?

That way works fine.
Old 04-07-2003 | 01:22 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Brandon, MS
Default Hinge Gaps Sealed?

Guys, fold the mono/ultra-cote back on itself to form a crease. Clean the slot between the wing and the aileron with alcohol. Place the folded over mono/utra-cote in the slot and iron on. I use one of the thin SS rulers to hold the mono/ultra-cote down in the slot as I iron it on. I then take a long razor knife and trim the leftover covering flush. I have gotten in the habit now of sealing both sides to keep the crap out. While you are at it why not do the rudder and elevator. You might also want to do a search on here for something like sealing hinge gaps. Lots of good info already written.
Hope this helps
Ed M.
Old 04-07-2003 | 02:11 PM
  #7  
MinnFlyer's Avatar
Senior Member
My Feedback: (4)
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 28,519
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 9 Posts
From: Willmar, MN
Default Hinge Gaps Sealed?

This should help...
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	68845_7722.jpg
Views:	10
Size:	5.5 KB
ID:	41618  
Old 04-07-2003 | 05:06 PM
  #8  
Goinstraightup's Avatar
Senior Member
My Feedback: (26)
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,307
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Baraboo , WI
Default Hinge Gaps Sealed?

It's a good idea on any plane, but especially on aerobatic types with huge control surfaces. If you are flying a .40 size trainer with a plain bearing (not ball bearing) .40 engine then you are fine without sealing. Any more power then I would seal. I purchased a huge roll of clear Ultracote to do side windows on an Aeronca Champ model. That roll of clear is only half gone after 10 plus years of gap sealing and other repairs.
Old 04-08-2003 | 11:38 AM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Saint George, UT
Default Hinge Gaps Sealed?

I attempted this for the first time on my Tiger 2's rudder and it turned out great. Much cleaner lines. Next time I will do the whole plane with seal hinge gaps.
Old 04-08-2003 | 11:57 AM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Ashburn, VA
Default Scotch Tape

While a trainer isn't going to go as fast as a pattern plane, it probably will have "less precise" aileron attachments, and probably should be sealed.

My LT-40 had some pretty wide gaps and had a really bad flutter problem until the guy at the field told me to seal the gaps with wide scotch tape.

Its still holding on, though I'll probably pull it off and re do it the next time I go fly.

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.