Shortening Trex 700 carbon tail control rod

[A.Delaney]

Basically I ordered the wrong rod. I got the the DFC rod and it's longer. Has anyone shortened one of these? I'm assuming it's a carbon tube with a piece of threaded rod glued in each end and not a solid rod all the way through. I just don't know if I can get it out of there without destroying everything. There's a metal cap on the end also. I can order the original control rod but it comes with 2 extra booms. I don't want two booms. The 700e carbon control rod appears to be the right length but not in stock.

[Smoggie]

Yeah, i shortened one to go on a stretched 600. The construction is exactly as you say. If you apply some heat to the cap it will pull off. Some heat on the rod and it will screw/pull out.

[Dawiev]

Measure twice .......... cut once

[A.Delaney]

Ok thanks for the help. I will be sure to measure several times before cutting.

[ticedoff8]

Make sure you do not over heat the metal end while removing it.
Too much heat will delaminate the CF fibers for quite a distance down the CF rod.

Use a Dermel cut-off wheel (if you have one) to cut the rod to length.
A saw will tear the CF fibers and you end up with a mess.

Make sure you use JB Weld to re-glue the metal end.
CA glue bonds great with the CF rod, but will not bond to the metal end. And that will break off at the worst possible time.

[A.Delaney]

Ok is heat from a hair dryer enough or do I need something hotter and more concentrated like a mini torch? This is a big help.

[A.Delaney]

Got it apart real easy. Thanks for everyone's help.

[Dawiev]

Hi, with only a little sanding, a piece of an 450 skid pipe pushes over and glues in place to prevent the joint splitting.

Pic focus not good, but you should be able to get an idea.