How important is rubber band size for the wing? Planes mannual says #64, I have a Box of #67.
I know there is a diffference in thickness and I assume that you don't want the wing mounted to tightly. so if and when I catch a wing tip, the wing needs to be able to pop loose. Am I correct?
I hope to fly this weekend, calling an instructor tomorrow evening to try and set something up.

Make sure that the rubber band is strong. As for how tight, its not if it allows the wing to pop out easily, make sue when you hold the wing at one tip and try to pry the wing off its very firm and taut. Just because if it lifts off the side a bit of the fuse when you pull hard does not mean it will in flight but too loose also will spell disaster. I usually use about no less than 8 rubber bands in total. 2 sets in line with the fuse and 2 sets across.

On another note, if you fly really gently and do not pull loops etc, 4 rubber bands will keep the wing on but this gives you no margin for error and is not advisable.

i used to use #32 bands, i would have to put like 15-20 of them on for it to hold. my rule of thumb is if you can lift the wing off the plane more than .25 of a inch you need more rubber bands

He is exactly right. Take heed to his advice, you won't go wrong.

12 #64's is the way to go criss crossing the last 4. You don't want the wing "popping" off whether accident or not. If your using something a bit thinner.. I would add 4 more...

Also.. glow fuel eats rubber bands over time. You will see them changing in color. I personally don't use them again once I'm done with the flying session... They're cheap insurance.

no. 64 is what you want why fool around with anything other, Of course we don't know what wing you are holding on to what plane. most wings nowadays are held on with screws or 1/4-20 bolts.

I actually wash my wing rubber bands (#64) in mild dish detergent then air dry them after a flying session. Two to three sessions is about the maximum use I get out of them. On my Debonair I use a total of 16. Rubber bands are economical, buy them by pound at an office supply store. I"ve never had a problem. I put the last 4 criss-crossing.

I have a hangar nine trainer. It's an Extra easy two. .40 engine. Wing span is 69 inches. will update my profile to include the plane info.

I've got an Hangar 9 Extra Easy with an Evolution .46 in it and I use 12 #64's on it. 4 on each side front to back, and the last 4 criss crossed. Might be a little too much, but with all I've out it thru, the wing hasn't ever budged. Not even when I flew it thru a tree one time Ha Ha!!

Propbuster,
Did you recover your plane? Nice looking. Guess I'll have to get some #64's, although the # 67's look to be stronger. So, how does your plane handle?

For trainers, I have always insisted on #64 from either the LHS or from Office Depot. A 1/2 pound bag will last a season. I use 12 rubber bands. I have my students criss-cross the first two, check the wing for proper alignment, then 4 on each side with the last two criss crossed. At the end of the flying day, I just have the student cut them off and throw them away. Some folks will say overkill, but I have yet to have a wing pop off or do the wing flopping in flight. And on a bad landing, the wing will still come off.

ALL these ????'s and I have yet another. in most of the videos I've seen, no one is using a radio neck strap. I don't have one either. just want to be sure when I show up at thet flight line that I wont be gigged for not having one. So, do I need or should I have a radio neck strap?

Neckstraps seem to be a matter of preference. Most of the guys at our field never use a strap, some guys won't fly without one. I don't think anyone will give you a problem about it, but ask for opinions and try one sometime, then decide if you want to use it or not.

Everyone here gives good advice. Unfortunately everyone here also missed a critical part of the information you gave..

If the #67 bands are about the same size (loop) and are actually thicker than #64's I would most definitely use them. Why spend ANY money until you have to, when what you have is actually stronger than what is required? Of course, when you run low in the #67's then go buy #64's at that time just to be sure you have everything to specification. Until the time comes to buy nore however, the #67's if close to the same length will work just as well, if not better. (As long as they aren't so tight they crush the balsa sheeting anyway.)

I mention loop size, because if they are significantly longer, they may not be tight enough, but that is easy to tell by simply looking at them compared to #64's.

In a more direct answer to the second part of what you said: Too tight is when you damage the wing putting on the bands. You absolutely do not want that wing lifting in flight, so as tight as is safe for the materials is a good thing.

billd76:

My suggestion: Try not using a radio neck strap at first, since it would be another hazard with the turning propeller (you will have many other things to pay attention to).
Once you have learned with no strap, it will be easy to try one; better than the other way around.

Just relax and show up at your flying club, where you will find all the help and advice that you will need to do just fine.
Most of aeromodellers are helpful and are there to fly and enjoy rather than to make fun of others.
All you have to do is to pay close attention to your instructor, to comply with the safety rules, and to practice as much as you can.

Best wishes!

I love my neckstrap. Keep it out of the spinning prop. Anything that aids in flying is good.

THanks all, Will try without the strap first. Wanted to fly this weekend, but weather is not going to cooperate tomorrow and no instrcutors are available on Sunday, so I'll just have to wait.

A can, something like a one pound coffee can with the lid, 3/4's filled with speedy-dry or plain kitty litter will rid the rubber bands of oily goop. Shake them up in the can after flying, and your good to go for the next flying session.

Oh, I like that! Think I've heard of that one before. I kind of like the washing method, but I bet that works good enough. I think its fun coming home smelling all of castor and finding myself washing my rubber bands. I use to only use them only once per flying session, but have found with some care (washing) you can get a second, sometimes a third. Buy a pound of them, and you should get plenty of flying sessions out them. I use Dawn dish washing liquid diluted in water.

Most people just keep them in the container of kitty liter.

I found a 2 bound bag of #64's for $1 and I just throw them away

Actually I have an altoids type tin in my toolbox full of corn starch. Sucks the fuel oil right off the bands quicker than anything Ive seen. I get 2 to three flights off my bands and in truth could probably go more, but as was stated earlier new bands are cheap insurance, so I don't push the envelope too far.

Now I must admit, Ive not seen the kitty litter used for this particular issue so I wont say its not just as good.

#64 rubber bands are available in 1 pound bags at Staples for a few bucks.
You are wasting a lot of time and water washing and reusing.
But it's your time and water bill.
Good Luck,
KW_Counter

I have used the same rubber bands for year$. However... Before I put one on a plane, weather the rubber band be used OR new, I put it through a severe test (stretch). If it passes...it goes flying!

Yeah they're cheap, I agree on that, but you can easily get a second day out of them. It's not really a big deal. A small shallow bowl with some diluted soapy water, let it sit through dinner, rinse them off, dry on a paper towel. I can do it at the same time I pour a drink for myself and the g/f. The next day they're dry and ready to go. It takes very little time, and as far as the water bill, I have to wash my hands coming from the flying field anyway. But if you want to cut and count out a new set of bands each day you go flying, it's your bands.

I use talcum powder to keep them fresh.