Hatch lock - any smart ideas?
 

Hi, I'm a newbie that have completed my first ARF model (a Seagull Jumper 25), and I decided to add a hatch so that I more easily can access the fuel compartment.
My question is if anyone has a good technique for locking the hatch in position? It's hinged in one end and I could just put two screws on the other end, but I would like a more elegant solution, maybe some sort of sliding lever or similar. Any tips are greatly appreciated! See pics below on the hatch.

/Leif

RE: Hatch lock - any smart ideas?
 

You could try to use velcro on the inside somewhere atached to a block.

RE: Hatch lock - any smart ideas?
 

You could also use a magnet mounted on the bottom of the hatch and attach a small piece of flat steel underneath.

RE: Hatch lock - any smart ideas?
 

You can make a simple latch using a couple wheel collars, a piece of music wire and spring from a ball point pen.
Dennis-

RE: Hatch lock - any smart ideas?
 

Thanks for your suggestions, all of them are very good! I especially like the spring-loaded one, it's neat! The magnet idea could maybe also solve the CG problem, it's slightly too far back and some metal in the front could do the trick... I love this hobby!

Keep 'em coming!

/Leif

RE: Hatch lock - any smart ideas?
 

Lan:

Don't dismiss screws to hold it shut. If this were a hatch needing to be opened constantly, the spring latch, a turn handle, so forth would be worth while. Or if you just want fancy, the spring latch is worth while.

If you just want to hold it shut, screws are hard to beat.

Here's a couple pictures of the Tiggerkitty, showing the nacelle hatch open and shut. Two screws.

Bill.

RE: Hatch lock - any smart ideas?
 

Have used screws with great success - simple, inexpensive and effecive, especially if the hatch is infrequently opened.

Can use a #4 or 6 machine screw (flathead into a countersunk hole is cool) into a T nut mounted on a small bracket installed at the aft edge of the compartment... screw's position will remind you immediately if the hatch is secured or not.. Make screw captive in the hatch by placing a washer on the screw under the hatch and wrapping several turns of thread on the screw below the washer and CA'ing it in place.


Jim

;)