Loosing up links

[R0t0R]

Any alternatives to a sizing tool to loosing up ball links? I bought a JR sizing tool and it is way too big. I took all of the links off the flybar cage and it moves very freely. With the links on, it is way too tight. (Probably why it felt very twitchy on the first hovers!) Want to get back up flying and no one local has the small sizing tool, so looking for alternatives to loosen things up until I can order in a sizing tool that is small enough from online.

[Buzzkill]

One way is to "pinch" the links while there attached to the ball with needle nose pliers.

[GreenCello]

Someone posted a fix. Using a spare ball, inflict a rough spot on the perimeter with a file, toothed pliers, etc. Work the now defective ball in the link to slightly abrade the inner surface. Check for fit. I haven't tried it but seems it would work

[stoatnchips]

Use Buzz's method for a quick fix... or order one of these made by MH

http://www.microheli.com/product_info.php?cPath=103&products_id=425

..from your local MH supplier, they work great.

[J-Heli]

Someone posted a fix. Using a spare ball, inflict a rough spot on the perimeter with a file, toothed pliers, etc. Work the now defective ball in the link to slightly abrade the inner surface. Check for fit. I haven't tried it but seems it would work

Thursday afternoon I'll try this and let you guys know how it went because my flybar is pretty sticky as well. Neat idea until you can get a proper ball link sizing tool.

[mjbrands]

I use a spare ball which I mount in an electrical drill. I click the link on, spin the drill up to about 700-1000 rpm and then slowly move the link around to make it a bit less tight. The ball is completely smooth, so it takes a while. If I were to roughen the ball a bit, I would probably eat away too much plastic quicker that you can say Gaui.

Of course, a real 3.5 mm sizing tool would be much better, but I haven't gotten around to ordering one yet.

[Gr4yb3ard]

Good idea!

If it takes toooo long to size the link with a smooth ball, you might try a touch of some red jewelers polish or other mild abrasive. Should make 'em pretty slick inside as well.

Also, the slightly higher speed at the periphery of the ball will tend to make the groove a tad deeper, which is the better direction for cutting to occur.

I really like this technique, gotta try it!

Gr4

[rotorhead58d]

Good idea!

If it takes toooo long to size the link with a smooth ball, you might try a touch of some red jewelers polish or other mild abrasive. Should make 'em pretty slick inside as well.

Also, the slightly higher speed at the periphery of the ball will tend to make the groove a tad deeper, which is the better direction for cutting to occur.

I really like this technique, gotta try it!

Gr4

try some tooth paste. not gel

[J-Heli]

Any alternatives to a sizing tool to loosing up ball links? I bought a JR sizing tool and it is way too big. I took all of the links off the flybar cage and it moves very freely. With the links on, it is way too tight. (Probably why it felt very twitchy on the first hovers!) Want to get back up flying and no one local has the small sizing tool, so looking for alternatives to loosen things up until I can order in a sizing tool that is small enough from online.

You know that if you bought the JR ball link sizing tool from readyheli, you can adjust the size to make it fit any ball link right? At least that's what it says in the description.

[R0t0R]

It says "All" on the packaging, but thinking that must refer to "Brands" not sizes. It is adjustable, but only to a point. Looks to be perfect for my T-Rex size links.

[SurfCity]

You know that if you bought the JR ball link sizing tool from readyheli, you can adjust the size to make it fit any ball link right? At least that's what it says in the description.

This is the one I have, and it works like a charm.

[stoatnchips]

You sure Surf??? It sounds a bit odd that a JR tool designed for 450-600 size helis can be made to fit a tiny 3.5mm link on the gaui!! If it does, then its gotta be the best bargin out there and i'll recomend it over the MH one.

[R0t0R]

The JR link tool that I got has a ball that is MUCH bigger than the OUTSIDE of the link! Don't know if JR makes two different size link tools, but mine will not work on the Gaui 200 links. Out of town right now, but when I get home on Mon. will measure the size of the ball on the JR tool. Gaui ball links I believe are 3.5mm.

[stoatnchips]

I know what you mean R0t0R... i kinda remember suggesting the MH one to Surf a while back but i'm not gunna tell him what he bought!!! I'm sure we were all looking around for a small tool to do this and Choppersuey pointed out it was 3.5 like one of the blades.... Oh well, it just goes to show how cr4p most website descriptions are. Come on ReadyHeli, get the calipers out and list what size balls these tools are for rather than copying JR's Jinglish marketing hype... It fits all helis AND makes the Tea!! 'Course it Does ;-)
Any one found an off the shelf set of ball link plyers that work? i have been using the tweazers but they bend easily.

[R0t0R]

Surf may have gotten something different than I did. I got mine local and just assume it is the same thing as RH sells. Just looked at HeliDirect and they list a 3.5mm tool and a 4.75mm tool. Think the JR one I got must have been the 4.75mm. Guess next time I place an order with HD will add the 3.5mm tool to the shopping cart! There you go with the needed description on a website. Nice job HeliDirect! :thumbup:

[SurfCity]

You sure Surf???

I'm puzzled, too. Maybe they make two of them. Mine's 3.5mm, and I got it from ReadyHeli.

[robl]

I use a spare ball which I mount in an electrical drill. I click the link on, spin the drill up to about 700-1000 rpm and then slowly move the link around to make it a bit less tight. The ball is completely smooth, so it takes a while. If I were to roughen the ball a bit, I would probably eat away too much plastic quicker that you can say Gaui.

Of course, a real 3.5 mm sizing tool would be much better, but I haven't gotten around to ordering one yet.

instead of using the drill, you can just mount a spare ball to a broken part or whatever, cut one or two lines with a knife in the ball and it works perfect as a ball link sizer. What I do with the 450 to size the links. Never really had a problem with the 200

[rdlohr]

Yep, I just cut two lines in a ball with my exacto knife. I mount the ball in a spare tail blade just for leverage.

Be careful you don't make them too loose. When your heli has a few months of flight on it, they loosen up anyway... to be too loose. I periodically replace all my links because I like that "tracks like its riding on a rail" feeling that you get from links with zero slop in them.

Rick

[robl]

honestly I don't really loosen my links anymore, because usually after a few flights, they just loosen up anyway, if you fly a little bit and they are still tight, then I would consider loosening them. I don't know about you guys, but I end up replacing these links very quick because they become way too loose, no need to speed up the process :)

[rdlohr]

honestly I don't really loosen my links anymore, because usually after a few flights, they just loosen up anyway, if you fly a little bit and they are still tight, then I would consider loosening them. I don't know about you guys, but I end up replacing these links very quick because they become way too loose, no need to speed up the process :)

I'm with robl.
Rick

[timmetz]

My brother bought a used Wolverine and Man those links were tight! You could move the flybar to any position and it would stick like glue. We used the Buzzkill pinch method and made it smooth as glass with zero slop. IMHO it's the better method because no link material is lost to go sloppy on you after a few flights. 2 months later and still no slop.

Tim

[robl]

but pinching usually causes other problems, the links break, don't hold onto the balls as well, etc.

[rotorhead58d]

when a link looks questionable, i replace it. i fly two or three easy flights, and loosen them up.