APIA

I am currently in the process of rebuilding a crash of unknown origin. In the process of disassembly to remove the covering for rebuild , the CA hinges were removed via a razor knife. My question concerns pin hinges, is a 1/8 dia hinge in 1/4 balsa stab sufficient "meat" to be structurally sound. My stab is 27" across and I am planning to use 3 hinges per elevator. The elevator is controlled by two servo's harnessed. Any help would be much appreciated

Campy

My Feedback: (1)

It sounds thin to me. The nylon part of the hinge (the part that goes into the elevator and horizontal stab ) is 1/16" - 3/32" thick. If you take the 1/16" thickness, that leaves 3/32" of meat to hold it in. In all probabability you are looking at 1/16" - 5/64" of meat per side.

It MAY work, but I would not want to put my engine or electronics in the plane. I suggest moving to the side of the old CA hinge and cut new slots and install new CA hinges. If a CA hinge is installed PROPERLY, it is just as strong as a pinned hinge and will last the life of the plane. I have a Gee Bee Y (the sport model) with an 86" wingspan, dual elevator servos and powered by an OS 1.60 FX that flies fine using CA hinges.

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

!/8" pinned hinges will work fine on a 1/4" stab. While you will only have 1/16" on top and bottom of the hinge, you'll still have plenty of meat on either side.

I have seen this used successfully many times