Robart Hinge Question

[66stang]

I put robart hinges on my Cap... This is my first time using them. I'm a little concerned with the rudder. I notice when I grab it firmly and pulled. It kinda makes a pop sopund. The rudder pulls out just a hair. What is the best way to repair this. I would like to fix it before a larger problem occurs. Also, I only put 3 on the rudder and 4 on each aileron and three on each split on the elevator. This is a 27%Cap. Is this OK? Any help would be appreciated.

[Stinger1]

You are a bit light on the amount of hinges . On my 27% Katana I have 5 per elevator, 5 on rudder and 7 per aileron . I would recomend cutting off the rudder and replacing the hinges before it tears itself off . I now use Gorrilla Glue on my hinges as it expands locking the hinge in place .

[bodywerks]

The best thing would be to start over. Either try to rip the rudder off without damaging it, which may be possible by the sound of the lack of security of them already, or just take a cutoff wheel to them. Then add more hinges (about 1 every 3 inches) and do it again. There are several tricks to properly installing all types of hinges - just do a search. I can tell you the basics are to clean the hinges with alcohol or warm soapy water to get rid of any mold release that might be on them, and to protect the hinge pin from the glue with light oil or melted vaseline.
As for glue, a new bottle of Gorilla glue is the only way to go, IMO. It has the advantage of no mixing, water wash-up, lots o working time, it expands and is as strong as concrete when dry, and it is relatively cheap. The key is to clean the holes up really good, i.e., get rid of wood dust, etc., and to moisten the wood before applying the glue.

[66stang]

Bodyworks & Stinger1.. I really appreciate the info. I managed to wick in a little CA. This seems to have stoped the movement. Should I just fly it and check it after every flight, or start over.

[FastnLow]

Start Over, don't mess around with ca especially if you already glued them with epoxy. They don't mix at all. With robarts you have to make sure that the hinges are in a blind hole so you don't just push the glue out the back into the wing, if you use good epoxy and 3" spacing on the hinges it will take a three foot pry bar to rip off your rudder. Don't risk yourself and others by huckin with a plane you have to glue every time you do a blender (SAFETY FIRST!)

[66stang]

OK, I'll start over.. I will cut them out and re do them. Can't be that hard.. I think my problem was not getting the mold release off them. Next time I will wipe with alcohal & scotchbright pad. I agree safety first. Plus it's alot cheaper to do it now, then after a crash.. Thanks guy's for the solid advice.

[GremlinX]

http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/s...highlight=tips

You can hacksaw the hinges with just a hacksaw blade and if you desire you can do what I did in the thread. Good luck.