Binding Wing-Rods

From time-to-time, we all run into problems with round wing rods that are a little too tight in the tube.  The reason may be as simple as corrosion building up in the tube or a tube with a bit of debris inside.  Here's are two ways to loosen the tube so the rod slides in and out a bit easier.  Be careful, read the "Important Tip" before attempting either method.

Method #1:

Get a 1/4" hardwood dowel about 3" longer than the wind rod.  Carefully notch one end of the dowel about 1" deep into the dowel and about 1/64" wide.  Slip a 1" high by 2" wide piece of 80 grit sandpaper into the notch and add a small drop of instant cure ca.  Chuck the other end of the dowel into a variable-speed electric drill.  Roll the sandpaper counter-clockwise around the dowel and slip it into the wing-rod tube.  Careful not to roll it too tight or it won't unwind when you push it into the tube.  Ream out the tube at a very slow speed pushing slowly in-and-out of the tube.  A couple of passes should clean the tube out enough to allow the rod to slip in more easily.

IMPORTANT TIP:  DO NOT PUSH THE DOWEL COMPLETELY THROUGH A TUBE THAT IS PERMANENTLY MOUNTED IN A WING, ESPECIALLY IF IT'S COVERED WITH CLEAR FILM.  THE SANDPAPER WILL PULL OFF THE END OF THE DOWEL.  YOU'LL HAVE THIS UGLY CHUNK OF SANDPAPER STUCK IN THE WING AND YOU'LL HAVE TO CUT OPEN THE COVERING TO PULL OUT THE SANDPAPER.

Method #2:

IMPORTANT TIP:  THE WIND ROD TUBE MUST BE OPEN ON BOTH ENDS, SUCH AS A TUBE THROUGH A FUSELAGE.  DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS WITH A TUBE SET IN A WING WHERE THE END OF THE TUBE IS CLOSED OFF.  THE BRUSH WILL GET STUCK IN THE TUBE!

Measure the outside diameter of the wing rod.  Find a bore-brush from a gun-cleaning kit that is the same size or slightly smaller than the wing-rod tube.  Attach the brush to the original gun-cleaning rod and push it slowly through the tube, rotating clockwise as you push it in.  Remember, if you rotate the rod counter clockwise, you will unscrew the brush and it could get stuck in the tube.  Push the brush completely through the tube, then pull it out slowly while still rotating clockwise.  One or two passes should scrub out any debris from inside the tube to allow the rod to slide in and out easily.

Duane A.K. Asami
SoarMaui R/C