tape hinges

[viti]

i am a believer in using tape for hinges on gliders but i would like to get an idea of how big you can go,,i have a glider that weights about 4.5 lbs and im not sure if i should hinge with some other material,,at what point is tape not enough or is there a limit??

i might also mention that i do fly in cold weather at times,probiably around zero [f] at the coldest,my real concern is on my flaps

p.s what is a good brand of tape??

viti
thanks

[Ollie]

Book Tape by 3M will make a fine hinge for models up to about 5 or 6 pounds and even beyond if they have light wing loadings. There is a tendency for any simple tape hinge to peel away from the surface at the ends of the hinge line. If you fold the control surface back about 180 degrees and expose the thin strip of tape adhesive along the hinge hine, you can apply another short layer of tape, adhesive to adhesive on the inside of the hinge to prevent the main tape hinge from peeling away from the surfaces.

I'm not sure how much the vinyl book tape will stiffen in weather that cold.

[Doc Data]

Several of the online sites sell some good stuff...
http://www.soaringspecialties.com/hingetapegapsealant.shtml
http://www.nesail.com/gapseal.html (Mylar!)

Dave

[FLL]

My experience is that the hinge tape will be prone to letting go if the control surface strikes the ground hard when flying in very cold temps. The good news is it probably prevents more serious damage.

Frank