Boom Spacer Insert Alternative

[pctomlin]

I don't know about you guys, but I have broken two of those plastic boom spacer inserts when tighting up the boom block in the frame. I was helping out with some maintenance on a Fusion 50 the other day and it appears that the metal hex inserts from the V50/F50 boom blocks will work as a replacement for the plastic ones in the O550. I plan on getting a V50/F50 boom block the next time I order and actually trying this out in the O550 boom block. Maybe Slyster or someone else that has both the O550 and the Fusion 50 can double check my idea beforehand and let us know if this will really work.

[willlig756]

Sounds like a good idea.. Let me know if you find out anything..

[backburner1955]

They are 3mm x 25mm long hex standoffs, the OD of the hex is 4.5mm, you should be able to use regular standoffs from McMaster Carr. Part# 95947A018 for $.92 each.

[Slyster]

Paul do you mean use the actual boom block from the V50? That wouldn't work because it it a tourqe tube block and there is no where for the belt to get through. I'll double check but I assume the holes and shape are very different too.

[backburner1955]

No, I think he just wants to use the aluminum spacers, but they are only available in the block, unless you get what I pointed out.

[pctomlin]

No, I was not talking about the whole boom block. I was referring to the hex inserts. What Bryan has put a link to would be much cheaper than buying a V50 boom block if those work too.

[backburner1955]

Give it a try, McMaster has real ship ground shipping, and fast too...

[pctomlin]

I have ordered the parts from McMaster to see if I can upgrade to metal hex inserts similar to the V50/F50 and get rid of the plastic ones. Thanks for the link Bryan. Also ordered M3 cap screws to go along with them. By the order they will not ship for about 2 weeks because of the hex standoffs. Will update when they arrive with pictures.

[backburner1955]

It appears that the larger stand offs are special order from the mfg. I have ordered smaller ones and received them in 2 days. Let us know how it works, so we can do it. If it works, I may pick up a few and send some out if guys want them for a cheap price and the cost of a stamp.

[Slyster]

I'd buy some!

[backburner1955]

$5 for 4 mailed looks good.

[pctomlin]

I wound up purchasing 10 of the standoffs. That way I have a set for two O550s and two spares. Got the price down to $.77 each. Spent a whopping $16.63 plus shipping with a package of 100 ea. M3X6mm and 100 ea. M3X8mm cap screws added to the order.

[pctomlin]

$5 for 4 mailed looks good.

I was quoted $7.00 shipping from McMaster (when I asked about shipping for 10 of the standoffs, I added the cap screws assuming it will be close to the same). May want to up the price just a hair.

[backburner1955]

I am not worried about it, I buy enough from them, they ship next day to me for free on all of my purchases.

[pctomlin]

Now that's a deal.

[Volcano]

I have a few 2nd hand 550s. Typically the boom block is cracked due to overtorquing. You should sand down the boomblocks so that they can grip the tailboom without overtorquing. A little tape or barge cement (top quality shoe goop) will help hold the boom without overtorquing as well.

[pctomlin]

I haven't had any problems at all with boom blocks cracking. I have broken two of the plastic inserts that the screws go into. That is why I am looking at these aluminum standoffs to replace them.

[Volcano]

the inserts are breaking because they are being tightened when the boom block is already tight as it can be. If you sand down the boomblocks then they can grip the boom without being tightened so much.
Does that make sense?

[pctomlin]

FAILURE! Well I got my 4.5mm hex standoffs today. They are too small for the holes in the boom block. Oh well, time to order some 6mm across the flats and try them out. Another 2 weeks for delivery by the purchase order.

[beltfedbrowning]

Why don't you just epoxy the 4.5mm standoff into one side of the boom block? Will it work?