I am getting ready to install hinges on my kit. I am going to install dubro nylon hinges and not sure of exactly how to do that. Also do I wait until after I cover my plane to do that or prior to covering? I am also open to the idea of using robart hinge point hinges. Not sure which would be better or even easier to install.

I totally understand already that I have to cut a notch out with my slot cutter or hobby knife and use epoxy. Basically, my biggest concern is putting holes in the covering when I put in the toothpicks for support or is that impossible? Or I would have to install them underneath so you don't see the holes?

Thanks for any help.

Joe

If they are installed properly, you really don't need to pin them. And always cover first - it's a hundred times easier than trying to slide covering between the hinges (Not to mention ironing it down there! )

OK. Do you have any information on how to install them Minn?

I have not used that type of hinge since the advent of CA hinges, but basically, you gouge out a slot and make a little extra room for the hinge itself so the center pin doesn't leave a big gap.

Then, I like to add a dab of Vaseline to he hinge part and heat it so it melts into the pin area. This keeps any excess glue from seeping in there.

When it comes time to glue them in, glue them ALL in BOTH sides (Elevator and Stab, or Wing and Aileron, etc) and move the control surface to make sure they are all in line.

Hey Minn!

Speaking of hinging, Have you ever used aliphatic resin on these hinges? I use it with robart hinge points to great success. If glue gets in the hinge, just flex the hinge and it breakes the glue out of the hinge and operates freely. I saw this in a thread a long time back and tried it. Sure enough, it worked-plus it is a recommended technique by Robart. I tested it on a piece of scrap and the only way I could get the hinge out was by completely tearing up all the wood surrounding the hinge. Needles to say, I'd trust that with giant scale heavy aerobatic stuff.

I've been wanting to test it with pinned hinges......

What do you think?

Brian

First you must slot the edges of the control surfaces. The slots must be a little thicker than you would have for CA hinges.

Next you need to lubricate the barrel of the hinges so that the glue does not bind them.
I like to use petroleum jelly for this. Be sure to coat only the knuckle of the hinge and not the gluing surface. Set them aside while preparing the control surface for gluing.

I glue the hinges at the control surfaces in two steps. I first epoxy all the hinges into the main wing, horizontal stabilizer and vertical fin using 30-minute epoxy. After I am satisfied that the hinges are seated properly and the knuckle of the hinge is parallel to the hinge line, I clean up any epoxy then allow overnight curing. The next day I finish gluing the control surfaces of the ailerons, elevator and rudder to the other half of the hinges.

The way I apply the epoxy is to coat the hinge slot with the epoxy with a toothpick, then push the epoxy into the slot with an old single-edge razor blade. Then slide the entire hinge in place until only the knuckle of the glued side of the hinge is exposed on the hinge line. Let set overnight after all hinges are installed.

Day two, attach the opposite side of the hinges into the control surface as done on day one, but all the hinges on the surface have to ready to be pushed in at the same time so you have to work kinda quick before the epoxy starts to set. Again, I put another thin coating of vaseline onto all the hinge knuckles before applying the epoxy into the slots, and then quickly align and slide all the hinges into their appropriate slots until only the knuckles of the hinges can be seen. Again, let the hinges set overnight.

When completely cured, on day three, pull on the control surfaces to be sure they don't pop out.

Nope, never tried AR glue on hinges. I think it would be OK on Robart type hinge points, but I would be leary about using it on flat pinned hinges

Hmmmm... Well I have I think that I will just use CA hinges. There doesn't seem to be any reason given why I should use the hinged ones. I personally have never had any problem with my CA hinges, I was just wanting to learn something new. But I have learned and probably will usse the CA hinges. Thanks for your help

Joe

I have only had a couple of planes I have run a pin through the hinge and they were ones that someone else did not glue right. Slot before covering, cover, slit the covering and check again. I install one side at a time and let cure. put epoxy on the hinge and some in the slot and work the hinge in. I use the vaseline trick and wipe of excess. They are so much nicer than CA and are easer to deal with.

i have to disagree, i can CA hinge an entire plane in the time it takes you to epoxy on a single surface. properly installed a CA hinge is more then up to the job, I've used them on 200 mph turbines and never had a failure.

I use the Dubro hinges more oft than naught. Anymore I use gorrila glue to put them in similar process as described above but I also take a paper hole punch and pop a large hole in the center of the glue surface so the glue forms a rivet as it kicks off. I also use a syringe to inject the glue into the slot. I never feel like i'm getting enough glue in there with epoxy or even CA.