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Rudder Hinge Bolts instead of screws?

Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2024 12:27 pm
by Blueflyer
Can anyone show me in the plans where it shows the hardware (screw or bolt and nuts) callout for the hardware that attaches the rudder/elevator hinges to the airframe? I dont see why not to use AN3 bolts to attached the hinges to the airframe? Any comments or thoughts?

Re: Rudder Hinge Bolts instead of screws?

Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2024 3:35 pm
by taildrags
I generally see nutplates attached to the backside of the wood that the hinges are attached to, with machine screws going into the nutplates. There isn't anything saying you can't use bolts with nylocks to attach the hinges, but they will weigh more than the nutplate/machine screw combinations and you'll never be able to get at them to remove the hinges without cutting into the fabric. Builder's choice.

Oscar Zuniga
Medford, OR
Air Camper NX41CC, A75 power

Re: Rudder Hinge Bolts instead of screws?

Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2024 10:14 am
by Blueflyer
Thank Oscar, very helpful! How does everyone attach a nutplate to the wood structure?

Re: Rudder Hinge Bolts instead of screws?

Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2024 6:36 pm
by taildrags
Nutplates attach to wood with either one or two small screws, depending on the style of nutplate. Might as well use the ones that take two screws and you'll never have to do it again.

-Oscar

Re: Rudder Hinge Bolts instead of screws?

Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2024 5:29 pm
by danoliver
I used #8 MS screws and nuts.
Seems to be working out so far.

Re: Rudder Hinge Bolts instead of screws?

Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2024 5:33 pm
by Blueflyer
my goodness, right there in front of me, thank you! 8-32 it is.

Re: Rudder Hinge Bolts instead of screws?

Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2024 3:24 pm
by PoconoJohn
Just for additional information, here's how the GN1 has the hinges (eyebolts).

John C