Tempest ball link sizing

[Todd Marsh]

I am wondering if most people ream these MA Tempest links to size, or are they good from the box? I have a few that seem a little tight, but not bad. Is it possible to just let them seat in themselfs? I also have the JR link sizing tool, but wanted to ask as material cant be put back :O( Thanks!

[Buzzin Brian]

I have never sized any of mine, and have yet to have any problems. And I have built a few Fury's. All fly great. I wouldn't mess with them. let them run a bit, and all will be well.

[Spitfire_mk5]

never bothered on any of mine. they wer ealways pretty good right off the bat.

[Russ McC]

Hi Todd,

I have built kits where all the balls fit great; I have also built kits where some of the balls fit tight to very tight. When my links fit tight on the balls I squeeze them with some flat jawed pliers while there on the ball, this expands them so they fit correctly. I don’t recommend reaming your links :)

[DavidH]

Todd,
Russ has the correct procedure for the MA ball links as well as most other brand ball links. The ball links have some flashing in them from the molding process. By taking some flat jaw pliers and squeezing the ball link while installed on the ball. This flashing will be collapsed and then the ball link is silky smooth. That is the way I have adjusted the ball links for smooth movement the last several years when it is needed.


David

[Todd Marsh]

I appreciate all the replys, and I am glad I asked now! THANKS!

[Todd Marsh]

Russ, you were absolutely correct! I was very careful and simply pinched each link with the smooth part on my ball-link pliars. I could not BELIEVE how smooth they were, instantly.

Someone should make a pair of pliars that are smooth on the inner grip of the pliar, but have the impression of the outer sides of a ball-link on the insides, so the pliars slipping around on the link woundnt be a issue, and you could get a much more uniform pressure pinch, arount the entire ball/link. Thanks again, you method was super quick and left PERFECT results! I think I will size my ball links before even threading them onto the shafts in the future, by simply popping a ball into the link and giving them a little 'pinch'.

Now if only the MA Tempest fans came balanced in the box. :wink:

[Russ McC]

Cool Todd, and good idea :)