I'm building a TRex 500 kit I got from Horizon Hobbies. In putting the 10mm screws into the base of the frame, they get about half way then the head strips out. These are the button head self tapping T2.6x10mm screws. I tried using the 8mm ones and they worked fine, but I don't have enough to finish the kit.

I'm using a small hex driver and not applying too much force.

I called Horizon and they said that while they distribute the kit, they don't support it. They suggested I contact Align in Taiwan. I sent Align an email, but got no reply.

Anyone know how to get support on an Align TRex 500 kit?

Thanks,

-Michael

That's a good question. The blades in mine wouldn't balance properly. I wrote Align, no response, I didn't know about what I'm going to include, below. Horizon Hobby is a major distributor of just about everything. They're blowing smoke up your butt. You bought it from them, they should at least provide you with replacement screws.

You also need to get high quality hex drivers. Do not use allen wrenches with ball ends or allen wrenches, period. Right now, I'm using Align hex wrenches and they're pretty good. What I also do is grind a bit off the end if I notice the angles even get a hint of rounding.

Here's a list of direct Align distributors with contacts.

<table border="1" align="center" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="10%"> <div align="left"><font color="#800000">USA</font></div> </td> <td width="25%"> <div align="left">Assurance R/C</div> </td> <td width="33%"> <div align="left">[email protected]</div> </td> <td width="32%"> <div align="left">www.alignrcusa.com</div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div align="left"><font color="#800000">USA</font></div> </td> <td width="25%"> <div align="left">Heli Wholesaler</div> </td> <td> <div align="left">[email protected]</div> </td> <td> <div align="left">www.heliwholesaler.com</div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div align="left"><font color="#800000">USA</font></div> </td> <td width="25%"> <div align="left">Grand RC</div> </td> <td> <div align="left">[email protected]</div> </td> <td> <div align="left">www.grandrc.com</div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
Any one of those should be able to help you out.

Scott

you can also just go out and get the good stuff. getchya one these [link=http://www.rcscrewz.com/product_info.php/stainless-screw-kits-heli/align-heli-screw-kits/p/alg005-align-trex-500-series-stainless-steel-screw-kit/cPath/350_295/products_id/2745]rc screwz[/link] kits. has all stainless steel screws for the 500, i have a set, and ya dont have to worry about strippin those out.......... also, the thorp mip hex drivers are very sturdy, no strippin those suckers either............

+1000 on the RCScrewz kit. Eddie's right on the Money..... Eddie Money... na...

Anyway... yeah... I have the kits for both my Align helicopters and I'm here to say that if you use all the screws that come in the kit, it's not because they stripped!

Scott

Thanks everyone for the suggestion. I went to RCScrewz and bought the T-Rex 500 kit. I'll follow up when they arrive.

Thanks,

-Michael

Contact Ron Lund at Heliproz south and tell him of your tale of woe for the 500 thru 700 T-Rex (instant self stripping) screws.

He has the nifty answer. below is the link.


http://rcheli.com/



Gary Smith, aka Red Baron Gary