View Full Version : Blades flew off!!!!
Jabber
01-25-2007, 03:45 AM
Hi everyone.
I bought my Trex 450 about 4 weeks ago. I assembled it myself and as the main rotor setup was all preassembled I assumed they would practice what they preach as far as using Loctite.
Not true... I still haven't flown this thing yet as I am going through Radds flying school. On my fifth battery the main blades flew off at considerable RPM. (the screws in the ends of the blade holders came loose)
Luckily missing everyone around but the kitchen cupboards took a big hit. It's been a week now and my wife has just started to talk to me. (just one word answers)
Anyway to all you new guys, check everything even the preassembled pieces. Jim......... :arggg:
BarnOwl
01-25-2007, 04:48 AM
Good to hear nobody got harmed. ALWAYS take care of your heli, they surely can bite (I know!)
Once more: So called pre- assembled parts/heli's have to be taken apart completely and locktited by yourself.
I know I sound like an old fart preaching the same thing over and over but: It seems to be necessary.
The only reason manufacturers pre- assemble kits is that it is more cost efficient then having all the small bits and parts sorted out in plastic bags.
The only advantage of pre-assembled kits is that you see how your model is put together.
Never fly it out of the box! :!:
slikrx
01-25-2007, 01:32 PM
I'm in the process of "breaking in" :roll: a new Blade CPP. Which screws/pieces should be (and, just as importantly NOT be) locktited?
Specifically, I assume that the blade holder clamp screws should be loctited to help avoid THIS:
http://www.helifreak.com/files/thumbs/t_badgluegrip.jpg
But what about the screw/nut combo that attache the blade/holder to the rotor head? I know they need to be tight enough to hold and keep the blades from "flopping" but still be loose enough to allow them to move when manually adjusted. Should THESE be loctited too?(see below)
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f206/slikrx/rotorhead.jpg
Pinecone
01-25-2007, 02:49 PM
ANY screw/bolt that threads into a metal bit, even a nut (except for nylon lock nuts) NEEDS TO BE LOCTITED.
DO NOT Loctite screws/bolts that screw into plastic. Loctite and plastic do NOT get along.
Keep Loctite off of any plastic for the same reason.
Finsta
02-18-2007, 12:26 AM
Buying a ARF heli and then taking it apart (even though I completely understand and agree with your point), really does not make sense. It would be then better to recommened buying a kit. I bought a T-Rex 450SA that was assembled and it was put together very well. If a part is requiring locktite and the manufacturer failed to put locktite on it and sold it as a RTF, I would not buy from that manufacturer/vendor. I could not conceive purchasing a RTF model from say Horizon Hobby and them not putting locktite on an assembly that required locktite. Now 90% of my heli was pre-assembled, but the instructions specifically stated to check to make sure the screws for the blade grips were tight to prevent the danger that could have happened to Jabber. Jabber, the fact that your blade flew off is of course very dangerous, but that fact that you flew it in your home is probably worse! Imagine you were hit in the eye with that blade. I am not at all trying to put you down in anyway, just hope you don't do that again. Scares me just thinking about it! -Fly this thing outdoors and at the recommended distance.
Pinecone
02-18-2007, 06:06 AM
The problem is, it is assembled by people and people who probably work at a piece rate (they get paid per assembly completed).
It is your safety and be responsible for it, CHECK EVERY SCREW?BOLT for tightness and Loctite if appropriate.
And if you take the attitude of not buying any heli that isn't fully Loctited, buy NO pre-assembled part, because none of them are perfect.
Jermo
02-18-2007, 09:01 AM
As part of your preflight always flex the blade grips. If there is any play in them STOP immediately and find out why. Usually this means the bolts have come loose and require thread lock.
Jermo
maltydog
02-18-2007, 09:17 AM
just last weekend we were sitting watching one of the teachers help out a new guy with a brand new cheapy heli (venom night ranger? i beleive). he was just trying to get it trimmed out and was spooling up just enough to get light on the skids; then suddenly the whole thing just exploded. one of the blades came loose (or blade holder came loose). end result was pieces everywhere. quite entertaining in a sad sort of way. hated to see the look of dissapointment on the guys face though. got to check and double check; i don't trust others with my safety
especially now with all the cheap crap made in china by people making pennies a day.
gw
bullaculla
02-23-2007, 12:01 AM
It really sucks that you have to remove a screw just to check and see if it is properly threadlocked. :arggg:
Bayou Talker
02-23-2007, 01:30 PM
Specifically, I assume that the blade holder clamp screws should be loctited to help avoid THIS
That looks like the plastic blade holders were not properly EPOXIED to the wood blade. That is a very important step when using woodies.
Pinecone
02-23-2007, 04:13 PM
The thing is, if I bought a heli off of ANYONE, I woudl take every screw out and check it. Even if Finless built it.
When it comes to things like this, I don't trust anyone.
peterob
02-23-2007, 04:41 PM
The thing is, if I bought a heli off of ANYONE, I woudl take every screw out and check it. Even if Finless built it.
When it comes to things like this, I don't trust anyone.
Well said.
tpp1971
02-25-2007, 02:12 AM
Your kitchen????? :WOW :arggg: :shock: :dontknow
s2kpdx
03-09-2007, 04:18 PM
Aren't the nuts that go with these screws those self locking ones? I was told not to use locktite on them as it may ruin the rubber part of the nut?????
Aren't the nuts that go with these screws those self locking ones? I was told not to use loctite on them as it may ruin the rubber part of the nut?????
The one you talk about are self-locking. They are used for locking the blades to the grips. The bolts have rubber inside to prevent unscrewing.
The bolts for locking the grips to the head, and other places, where metal bolt screws in metal part are the ones that need loctite.
Any metal to metal bolts need loctite.
motohead74
03-16-2007, 09:28 PM
First thing i did when i got my 450SA was rip it apart and i found a lot of flaws! i had to redo quite a bit of things to make proper. or safe that is. i love tinkering with my heli's "not to mention it keeps me away from my wife when she is in work out mode"
Hell if i could i would buy a new Heli everyday just to build it! and let them sit on a shelf intell needed LOL :lol: :mrgreen:
Glad nobody got hurt! and if your wife doesn't talk to you anymore look at the bright side that's just that much less fighting going on.
My wife said after i bought the 600 if i get the 500 she is leaving me , well i am going to miss her! :lol: but really she wouldn't leave. she would stick around to annoy me :mrgreen: :glasses2: