Would you knock out the tnut, re-drill the hole then reinsert the tnut or open up the hole in the rib which also requires opening the hole in the fuselage? I don't like opening the hole in the fuselage nor do I like knocking out tnuts and installing them by tightening vs tapping them in. Knocking it out is stressful on me and the structure.

You'll also notice a hairline crack through the the entire length of the rib and though the wing hold down bolt hole, I suppose thin CA is appropriate. I wonder if the rib can withstand the beating needed to knockout the tnut since it is already cracked.

I would just tap it out, not "knock it out". Reinstall the T-nut. Yes use thin CA on that crack

I'd get the TeeNut out of there without enlarging the hole (if possible). Maybe use some heat. Then, on the bench, press the nut back into a round piece of plywood just larger than the TeeNut. Glue this round plywood into the proper spot behind the rib.

I have a Phoenix models Jupiter with nylon T nuts glued into the wing just like yours. I don't like the plane and don't fly it anymore but did need the T nuts for another build. I took a 1/4-20 wingbolt that threaded into it and ran it in a few threads then pushed hard until it broke free. I pushed a lot harder then expected but with even force and my fingers doing their best to support the wing rib from behind it came free. I since pulled out the remaining 3 t nuts with no damage to the wing. Good luck.

I'd plug the hole in the fuse and root with a piece of dowel and redrill in the right spot.

Take it out, install a doubler and re drill. As for the hairline crack, are you sure that's not just one of the multiple layers of plywood?

Not sure about the crack just being a layer of the ply.

Guess I am going to push out the nut, add a doubler to the doubler, redrill and reinsert nut. I was planing on getting a small sanding drum and opening the hole ever so slightly. The wing has a dowel in the back and the big carbon tube up front, isn't the bolt just holding the wing on?

that doesn't appear to be a hairline crack. Seen it dozens of times in ply and where two pieces of wood have been joined. Look towards the trailing edge area. You can also see a line. Those aren't hairline cracks.

as far as the tnut goes, unless its been glued in place, just thread your nylon bolt in a few turns and press in. should pop right out.


With regards to "opening the hole" in both the wing and fuse...slightly enlarging a hole to accommodate a thicker wing bolt is not going to damage or structurally diminish your plane. I've hacked up planes to get things how I want them, to reduce weight, to accommodate certain hardware, etc. As long as you are smart about a modification, there isn't much you will do to cause a structural failure...especially if its just to enlarge an existing hole.



having said all that, that sure is a small wing bolt hole, AND I've not yet seen a wingbolt hole installed in such an odd location. All my planes, from small to 42% size are in the middle.


What brand/plane is that? just curious.

Originally Posted by Cryhavoc38

What brand/plane is that? just curious.

Looks like a 50cc PAU SU-26. Had a similar issue with my 50cc extra wasn't that far off though. Easy fix.