Hello,

I wanted to see what everyone is using for there large scale hinges. I just install some on my Ultrastick 1/4 using Titebond. It works well, and the glue just breaks off the hinge line when you move the control surface up and down. I am now building my GP Patty Wagstaff Extra 300. Has anyone used Pacer or Zap hinge glue? I am not sure if it is better or worse. I want the strongest bond I can get. I don't really like working with epoxy, but if that is required so be it.

Thanks,

Chris

You can use Probond Poly Glue which works good for me. because it expands if you are using flat hinges they have the little holes in it and since probond expands it will fill them and help hold better as the expansion fills into every crack and cranny.

Joe

Get some BVM Aeropoxy or the Hysol equivalent and you'll never have to worry about hinges coming loose. Works well in 200mph jets. 30 minute epoxy is the next best thing and remember to scuff the hinges with 80 grit paper!

I like the Zap/Pacer Brand Hinge Glue (PT-55). I've used it for about six planes now with no problems.

Just to let you know I did a test using two pieces of balsa and two dubro medium hinges. One one I used Titebond wood glue. One the second I used pacer hinge glue. I let both sit over night and then tested them. Neither would pull out with hand pressure. I got a pair of pliers and tried to pull both out. With a lot of pressure the hinge with titebond slide out with no damage to the hinge. The hinge with Pacer Hinge glue would not come out. I actually ripped the hinge apart at the metal pin. Looks like I am using Pacer hinge glue!

Chris

Thanks for the feedback Chris. I found that I need to work fast with the Pacer glue, because it sets pretty quick. I get all the hinges ready, fill the slots with glue, wipe off the excess and put in the hinges.

Before installing them, I wash the nylon hinges in 99% alcohol to get any mold release agent off, dry them well, then put a little (very little) light oil at the joint. I have a little bottle of light model railroad oil with a needle applicator. It works great for wicking a tiny bit of oil into the hinge joint without getting any on the surface of the hinge. I've got it down to a science after trying different ways.

BillBo

I have use Formula 560 Canopy glue with great success on all of my 1/5 scale warbirds. I too did a test using both Robart large hinge points and Dubro large scale hinges. Allowed to dry overnight, I could not pull either hinge out of the balsa stock that I glued them into. It works great, and what I like the most about it is that it cleans up with water. When it comes out of the slots as you are gluing your hinges, just keep a wet paper towel handy and an acid brush with a cup of water handy. Wipe the excess glue away witht the wet paper towel and get the glue out of the hinge line joint with the small acid brush and water.
I've installed the large Sig X hinges with the Formula 560 canopy glue on my 86" Bearcat powered by a Quadra 75, my 102" Texan with a Sachs 4.2 in the nose, and an American Eagle Spitfire running on a US .41 with an 86" span. I have never had a hinge come lose. It is just a lot less mess being able to clean up with water, and if you get it on your airplane, you just wash it offl.

I too have done the test with the dubro flat pinned hinges and probond, pulls the wood out.
Do have to take hobby knife clean up edges after sets up for free movement.

I agree, Pro Bond will hold the hinges. But it is sloopy to work with and will continue to expand out of the hinge slot for an hour or better. Once it tacks up, you cannot clean it off with water. Alcohol will barely cut it in it's tacky state.
The Formula 560 canopy is a joy to use. If you don't trust it, do your own test. You will really appreciate how easy it is to clean up and if you get it on your aircraft, it will wash right off. There are some places you just have to paint before you hinge. It is in those places that the Formula 560 canopy glue excells. Same with monokote. You'll want to cover before you hinge. Again if you get any of the other glues on the surface of the monokote they can play hell getting them off, especially if you don't catch it right away. The Formula 560 canopy glue works. Try it ... you'll like it.

Does anyone know if probond will work on torque rods? Specificaly on a Topflite Giant P51....It will use Robart hinge points and has torque rods for use on the elevators. Should I use epoxy or will probond work....

Does RC 56 canopy glue work as well as Formula 560?

Eric

I really have never tried RC 56 glue, but I don't see any reason why it would not work as well. If you have some, do a test for yourself by hinging a couple of pieces of balsa, letting dry overnight and then trying to pull the hinge apart. Be sure to pull in a straight line and not twist or pry on the hinge. If you do that you will not get a true test of strength and will probably break the balsa wood. Using the Formula 560 canopy glue, I cannot just pull straight across the hinge gap and pull the hinge apart. I'm 6.4" and weigh 230lbs. Believe me the hinge joint is strong.

Here are the results of my experiment.

I cut the slots with a GP Slot machine and used Dubro hinges. The glue was allowed to dry for 12 hours.

I could not pull either hinge out with my bare hands. Using pliers the hinge glued with RC 56 came right out. The hinge glued with Elmer's exterior wood glue came apart at the hinge. The glued half is still in the balsa.

Eric

Eric, Whats your feelings on probond glue on torque rods....the torque rods will be used to operate the elevators on a Giant P51. thanks Skip

Do you mean arrow shaft push rods going from the servo to the control horn, or do you mean torque rods like those that operate the flaps and elevator on a Byrons?
If you mean push rods, I'd use epoxy, especially if the push rods are made of aluminum, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. Pro bond works great on wood and foam, I don't have any experience using it on any of the surfaces I mentioned above.

Fighter Pilot, I mean torque rods like those you are used to seeing on ailerons with a single servo........I plan on using probond on the hinges but I'm not sure about the metal torque rods. Any help would be appreciated.......