Q-113: I get kind of frustrated when installing hinges on model aircraft control surfaces. The nylon type with the metal pins require that slots be cut accurately on both the fixed and moveable control surface. Then after doing this I find I get cement in the hinge joints and then the surfaces tend to bind up. Is there an easier way to do hinging?
A-113: “Lite hinges,” which are nothing more than sheet plastic or nylon, work well and without metal pins so there is little chance of binding them up with cement. But you still must cut those slots accurately in both surfaces to accept the hinges.
I’ve been using for some time now the “Gapless Hinge Tape” offered by Larry Sribnick of SR Batteries Inc. (www.srbatteries.com). It is a clear tape that is approximately 1-inch wide. You peel off the backing and apply the tape equally to both surfaces. With this material, you can cover and/or paint your model before applying the hinge tape. No slots are required.
I found it easy to just place both surfaces on my flat building board. Allow for approximately a 1/16-inch space between the surfaces. You can temporarily hold them in position by using “low-stick” masking tape. I say low-stick because if you use regular masking tape you can easily pull off paint and covering when removing the tape. Press the hinge tape in place and press down firmly so that it makes total contact.
The only caution I have is that this hinge tape material is not fuel-proof. That means you can use it for electric-powered models and sailplanes but not with fueled engines. I hate to say it, but that’s another plus for electrics!