z-bends or quick connects
 

Hi

I would like to know, what works better for you.? Quick connects or z-bends. ( or something else ). I like the quick connects because you can adjust them, but they look kind of weak. Has anyone had trouble with them? Is any brand better than the rest.? Thank You
Fred

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

z bends are cheaper on the servo end and use quick link for adjustment at the control surface.I have used both.the draw back to the z bend is it allows a tiny bit of slop that is usually un noticed unless a precision aerobatic type plan.

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

Ok, you're going to get a host of reply's going one way or the other. But what it really boils down to is what you are comfortable with. Some will say that they have never had problems with the EZ Connectors (quick connects), and I won't argue with them. But my first had experience is that I have had one come loose in flight (this was on the elevator pushrod, and the only thing that saved the plane was a "blob" of epoxy on the end of the pushrod). Because of this I won't use EZ Connectors on any critical control surface. By critical I mean the surfaces you absolutely need to land the plane, and these would be elevator and ailerons. You can lose rudder, nose wheel steering, or throttle and still get the plane back on the ground. For my piece of mind I prefer to know that the connector I have on the critical control surfaces won't come loose. For these I prefer to use Z-bends or a soldered on clevis. Of those two I prefer to solder on a clevis, but I will state that if you're not comfortable that you can get a good solid solder joint then this type of connector could easily come loose in flight.

So now that I have completely confused you, I would recommend that you go with a Z-bend. Realistically there is no way that a Z-Bend is going to come loose in flight, and will give you a secure connection that you can count on.

Hope this helps

Ken

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

I use these, or the Great Planes equivalent
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXAZC3&P=0
Make a 90 degree bend where the wire needs to go through the servo arm. These snap on and hold the wire in the servo horn.

>>>edit<<< At the control surface end I use a nylon or steel clevis for adjustability.

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

I've had enough problems with quick connectors that I now use 90 degree bends on all pushrods except throttle, for which I use z-bends. Thicker pushrods can break if you try to z-bend them, but thinner pushrods for engine throttle aren't a problem.

I miraculously managed to land a plane last spring after losing the elevator control to a quick connector failure. If you decide to use them, just be better at routine inspection and maintenance than I am!

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

I prefer ball connectors or z-bends.

Scott

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

:D:D:D It matters not what you use SINCE THE SKY IS GOING TO FALL IN VERY SOON. I FULLY AGREE WITH RC KEN.
:D[:-]:D[:-]

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

Quick connectors are great stuff but inherently risky if you are not careful. Z bends will not fail you. After all these years I only had 1 quick connector failure, that was due to my fault, was hasty and did not use any tread lock on the screw below. I have used them on foamies to 90 sized planes with not issues. I would say if you can, use a Z Bend on the elevator.

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

Both of the trainers I have, a sig Senior and PT-40 Have quick connects on the servo horns and metal clevices on the control surfaces. I would definitely reccomend some blue loctite and an inspection after every few flights. I hold them with a needle nose and check for tightness when I get home from the field, right after cleaning up the plane.

If routine maintenance isn't in your schedule definitely go with a z-bend, unless the horn breaks it can't come out

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

i use solder connectors at the servos,and much agree with RCKEN,if you are comfortable with soldering then go that route but for peace of mind you cant go wrong with a zbend.at the control surface end i always lock my clevises with a piece of fuel tubing,hard landings can cause the ends to come lose especially on the plastic clevises.the more simple a connection is most of the time the less that can break.

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

O.K. gentlemen, I do not trust my solder joints, and I am not good at checking all the bolts,nuts, and screws on the plane. So I will go with either z-bends or 90 bends with clips. Thanks again for your help. You guys do a great job of teaching those of us with little experience. Fred

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

Get some good silver solder and flux and a 240W soldering iron. They'll improve.

I love those little nylon clips for the 90º bend. "Z" bends used to give me fits.

Never use a screw clevis on both ends of a control rod. We had a Quickie 500 that went into the parking lot and determined that was the cause. The rod vibrated out of the clevis brecause it could turn. Real "turnbuckles" have opposite threads on the ends to prevent this. Make sure at least one end is anchored with a bend or fixed with solder.

I still use the occasional EZ-Connector on the throttle. Once I'm happy with the install and the engine is broken in and happy I'll replave it with a permanent connector. For whatever reason, I frequently have "issues" with binding on my throttle rods. Maybe because I swap engines around.

The "Servo Saver" for a nose wheel is a pretty clever use of a pair of EZ's. I have that on my Contender 60 as a nose wheel takes a pounding at our grass/dirt field and I worry about the rudder servo.

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

I love the EZ Connectors for my throttle's, but on all else I use other connectors
so far no problems... (I've used "z" bends... but not anymore) except for a backed
out servo screw[:@]... radio glitches, dumb thumbs... Ohhh... Sorry getting off subject :D

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

If you go with z-bends, I would recommend purchasing a tool that makes the z-bend for you. I have one that I believe is made by hanger 9 and it makes z-bends a simple task.
Jim...

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

Here's a quick "how-to" for doing Z-bends without the tool. Definitely get the tool if you can because it is well worth the money. But you can get them done with these instructions until you get one.

Hope this helps

Ken

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

I use quick connectors on any or all controls with no locktite or other thread locker and have never had a failure as long as I make sure all connections are tight before flight.

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

fzeller, Been using quick connectors for quite a while. No failures yet. Knock on wood.

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

Fred

I call them quick dis-connects!;) Don't ask how I know.

Safe Flying!

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

Keep in mind that Zbends usually weaken the metal.

The safest connections are the metal clevis connectors for airplanes that are the size Zbends would be appropriate for. If the size is so small that metal would be too heavy, then plastic clevis would work. Only the smallest are OK for zbends.

RE: z-bends or quick connects
 

I use quick connects. They're easy to set up, reliable and did I mention easy to set up. For extra added insurance, I ALWAYS use a drop of loctite on the screw threads and tighten it up nice and snug. I find that when I have to remove the quick connect it's on there so solid that I have to use CA remover to remove it. That's convincing enough for that it's on there nice, tight and secure.

Good luck.