Installing nylon hinges
 

I have only used CA hinges in the past but am installing dubro nylon hinges on my newest plane. I know that they are suppossed to be installed with epoxy. How much epoxy is enough and how do you keep it off of the monokote and in the joint of the hinge? Also, is it necessary to put a toothpick or needle through the hinge after installed? If you use a toothpick to you wick it with CA too? Not sure why I went with nylon hinges, I guess just to learn something new. I think the CA are a lot easier to use.

RE: Installing nylon hinges
 

Go to this thread and I have explained how it's done.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_15...tm.htm#1538947

Post #45 and #46

Don

RE: Installing nylon hinges
 

CA are definately easier, but the nylon work great too. Here's how i do it:

Fold the hinge and dip the pin part in some Vaseline, then warm it with a match (or lighter) so the vaseline melts into the pin (Try not to get any on the gluing area).

Use 30 minute epoxy (You'll need the working time)

Have everything ready (Hinged greased, slots cut etc).

Mix the epoxy on a flat surface, and scoop it up with a plastic drinking straw.

Flatten the end of the straw and insert it into the slot. Now squeeze a little epoxy into the slot "a la toothpaste tube" (You only need to get a tiny bit in there).

With a stick, smear a VERY thin film of epoxy on the hinge making sure that some gets into the holes in the tab.

insert all hinges and add the control surface (Same way) align the control surface and flex it up and down.

Wipe off any excess epoxy

Let cure

PS you don't NEED to pin with a toothpick, that's totally up to you.

RE: Installing nylon hinges
 

Thanks for the advice. Do nylon hinges provide more strentgh and longer life than CA hinges? It sure looks like they would be stronger. Cutting the hinge slots, gluing them in place, and getting them to line up sure seems easier with the CA. If the nylon dont provide a lot more strentgh and durability I cant see why they would be used over CA hinges.

RE: Installing nylon hinges
 

Personally, once CA hinges hit the market, I never went back to Nylon.

RE: Installing nylon hinges
 

I wouldn't use a C/A hinge if you gave 'em to me...In fact most kit manufacturers do 'give' 'em to me, and then I get to buy or make new ones to use instead. Since Granite State sewn hinges are no longer produced, I have to sew up my own, or buy pinned hinges. To install them, I insert them in the slots, and loose assemble the control surface and wing. Once they're lined up to my satisfaction, I use a 1/16" drill in my moto tool to punch holes for toothpic pins. A drop of C/A in the hole, followed by the pic, then wick another drop. Cut and sand flush. I then sanswich a piece of covering between two pieces of card stock and use a paper punch to make small dots to cover the pics with.

RE: Installing nylon hinges
 

I second that. With the exception of my 33% Decathlon where I used giant scale hinges, I have been using the CA hinges solely. Never had one fail on me. If you drill a small pilot hole in the middle of the hinge slot and remove the covering around them, the CA seems to wick in nicely and hold the hinges "forever". I admit that I only buy a couple of brands that I have grown to trust.

Regards

Ari

RE: Installing nylon hinges
 

Had some problems with CA hinges that came in ARF´s.
Last one was in my UCD with Webra 120. Hinge near tip rip during fly and could land O.K.
Use only in small planes (under 120).
Big ones use robart pin hinges 1/8" ( 1/4 scale) and 3/16 bigger planes.
Nylon hinges also work well but are more difficult to install.
In both use Pace Hinge glue with good results.