Rudder Hinge Bolts instead of screws?

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Blueflyer
Posts: 16
Joined: Sun Aug 20, 2023 8:02 am

Rudder Hinge Bolts instead of screws?

Post 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?
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taildrags
Posts: 645
Joined: Tue Mar 07, 2017 10:39 pm

Re: Rudder Hinge Bolts instead of screws?

Post 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
Blueflyer
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Joined: Sun Aug 20, 2023 8:02 am

Re: Rudder Hinge Bolts instead of screws?

Post by Blueflyer »

Thank Oscar, very helpful! How does everyone attach a nutplate to the wood structure?
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taildrags
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Re: Rudder Hinge Bolts instead of screws?

Post 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
danoliver
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Joined: Sat Feb 25, 2017 7:58 am
Location: Cincinnati

Re: Rudder Hinge Bolts instead of screws?

Post by danoliver »

I used #8 MS screws and nuts.
Seems to be working out so far.
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Blueflyer
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Joined: Sun Aug 20, 2023 8:02 am

Re: Rudder Hinge Bolts instead of screws?

Post by Blueflyer »

my goodness, right there in front of me, thank you! 8-32 it is.
PoconoJohn
Posts: 166
Joined: Tue Jan 14, 2020 9:07 pm

Re: Rudder Hinge Bolts instead of screws?

Post by PoconoJohn »

Just for additional information, here's how the GN1 has the hinges (eyebolts).

John C
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