TIGHT wing tube !

[D.O.A.F.S.]

I'm building a 50cc extra and I am real concerned about how tight the wing tube is in the wing. The one wing, the tube it goes in fine with some but little resistance. The other I dont think I could push hard enough and get it in without damaging the structure. The wings have fiberglass sleeves that the tube slides into. I'm looking for some input in resolving this, I have some ideas but would rather have some expert adivce. Thanks in advance for any help!

[pitviper51]

im wanting to see this to... i have one tube that fits alot tighter then the other on my qq yak.. and the sleeves arent thin so you dont want to force stuff.
mike

[1bwana1]

I had this problem on one of my planes. Whether it was right or wrong (I'm sure the real builders among us will have better methods), what I did was wrap some sand paper around the end of a broom handle and very lightly sand the inside of the fiberglass sleeve. The sleeve sands really easy. I was surprised that I had to remove very, very, little material for the wing tube to fit perfectly.

[wttiger42]

ive ran into the same problem before. More so with stab tubes than wing tubes. I usually just make sure they are square and push them in using a twisting method. I havent broken anything yet. My AM Yak had a wing that was very tight. I worked the tube in and out and it eventually loosened up. Then i left the tube in for awhile. That seemed to fix it. I thought i was going to break something pushing it in as well

Make sure when you push, you are square or you really can break something. Ive heard of some people sanding the tube a bit, i dont know if id try that.

Living in Louisiana, there is a considerable difference in how tight my wing tubes are depending on the current climate.

[FastnLow]

Wax the tube, it helps!

[eagle1]

I'm with 1bwana1, sanding a bit will help.

[reyn3545]

especially if your tube is CF, you can lightly sand it down. Just a little sanding goes a long way. If your tube is aluminum, like earlier posts have mentioned, wrap some sandpaper around a broomstick and lightly sand it. The fiberglass tube in your wing will sand down very quickly.

[D.O.A.F.S.]

THANKS! I appreciate the help. My thoughts were around the wooden dowl with sandpaper as well but, I would rather ask for advice then make an exspensive error. THANKS again

[Vic3D]

NEVER sand the tubes themselves. Sand the sleeves.

[SleepyC]

	Quote:
	NEVER sand the tubes themselves. Sand the sleeves.

I have heard this as well. If you sand a wing tube, it can take away some of its structual integrity, especially Carbon fiber.

[pitviper51]

not to forget the carbon dust will up your lungs,, ask me how i know,, i think i have issues.. ,,

[BR289]

Most of the time just putting the tube in and out will work, but never sand the tube itself...

[1bwana1]

Why would you sand the carbon wing tube? if you sand the wing tube, it will fit one wing perfectly, but will now be too small for the other sleeves in the plane. Sand the tight sleeve, not the tube.

[Al Lewis]

Please, whenever you decide to do any sanding or grinding on anything CF wear a mask and use a vacuum during the process. This stuff has a MSDS that makes asbestos look like baby powder. Also, like Vic said, NEVER sand the tube. Most only have a .032" wall thickness and if you remove the outer coating of resin it can de-laminate the tube in a heartbeat.

[Drysdale]

Guys, after getting this question allot I recommend going to your local automotive parts store I.E. AutoZone and buying a small brake cylinder hone with fine grade stones. Put that on a long rod and run that inside the sleeve a few times and your problem is solved.
Tom K
TnT Landing Gear Products