Bolts & Locking Nuts ...

[RChristopher]

Back when I was playing with homebuilt experimental planes it was standard to have at least two threads visible beyond the nut when using self locking nylon insert nuts. The Align main blade bolts as well as tail gear box bolts appear to be a bit short. The bolt just makes it to the out side edge of the nut, and not really a full thread visible. I saw a note on the forum regarding locktite on the tail gearbox bolts, but I was wondering if there are any issues with the stock main blade bolt loosening during flight. Should a longer bolt be used? I realize if it bothers me too much I should just change it, but just curious regarding the stock bolts.

Thanks

Bob C.

[hopntod]

It seems like good practice to have two or three threads protruding beyond the nylocs to me.But I am just a rookie here.

[Mercuriell]

As long as the bolt actually clears the nylon insert it will do its job and in practice does so - I agree on the plastic grips the bolt only just makes it to the end opf the nut - on the metal grips there's 3-4mm clear - problem with getting longer bolts is (as others have remarked) collared bolts of the correct length of sleeve are hard to find.

[Brent@paradise]

Just had a good look at mine,
I have a least one plus threads visible beyond self locking nylon insert in the nut on my main blades
And two or more on my tail gear box.