Methods for Attaching Servo Covers

[imack]

I would think you want something that holds the covers firmly, but is still easy to remove if you need access to the servos. And if you can take them off without removing some of the colour from the wing skin, that would good as well.

So, what's everybody use to attach their servo covers?

TIA,

Ivan MacKenzie.

[TOSSPilot]

Tape.

Craig

[POF]

Silicone glue :)

[joesoar]

Zappa Dappa Goo - similar to Silicone

[lesterpk]

I have easy access to a signwriting vinyl cutter. I cut a retangle sized to overlap the edges of the hatch about 3-4mm either side and stick the hatch down with that. No air leakage and comes up easy enough if you need to check something inside. Although I use clear vac formed servo covers so I can whats going on without having to remove them.
Les.

[imack]

Zappa Dappa Goo - similar to Silicone

joesoar,

If you need to get the covers off later, is this easy?

[sleep4]

Agree with the silicone materials. Also leave it off trailing edge side to facilitate removal if needed.

[Andy W]

Clear tape.
..a

[dephela]

Clear tape

[imack]

What kind of clear tape (e.g. Brand)?

[Mark Miller]

3M Blenderm Tape

Mark Miller

[Andy W]

I have a small roll of Crystal Clear ("Duck" brand available just about everywhere) that has lasted me a few years of taping hinges, sealing gaps and, now and then, securing servo covers..
http://www.duckproducts.com/products/detail.asp?catID=1&subID=9&plID=716
It holds up better than "cheap" packing tape..
..a

[POF]

When using silicone glue it is easy to get the cover off again. Maybe because of some residual wax from the mould process.

[dephela]

The clear tape I was refering to was a 3M product that I understand was made for the French Air Force. I was told that when the FAF found out 3M was selling it to everyone they cancelled the contract. Since it was the FAF contract that made it economical and they were out, the product was dropped. I didn't know the FAF had that many servo covers to hold on!

So, now I just use cheap "Scotch tape".

[joesoar]

Just some tension & a little twist on the cover will remove it easily when silicone or Zappa Dappa Goo is used. I have used it for years to install servos on hollow-molded wings and for servo covers...

[imack]

Just some tension & a little twist on the cover will remove it easily when silicone or Zappa Dappa Goo is used. I have used it for years to install servos on hollow-molded wings and for servo covers...

What kind of "silicone glue" are we talking about here. The only silicone I'm familiar with is caulking. I'm know about Zap-A-Dap-A-Goo, but what's the brand(s) for silicone glue?

Ivan MacKenzie.

[Wing-span]

And how easy is it really to get silicone glued in servos out of moulded wing?

[Andy W]

Very. If they won't just pull out, run some dental floss under the edge of the servo and run it back and forth to cut the servo out.

..a

[Wing-span]

OK. Thanks for that.

[tewatson]

3M 600 tape, 1/2" width. Invisible from more than a foot away if one does a good job keeping air bubbles out.

Tom

[Bart-o]

I still prefer tiny screws:)

Bart

[Wing-span]

In the UK the best tape to get hold of for the purpose is: Sellotape 'Diamond' Ultra Clear.

You can use it to protect the paint/covering where your wing panels join too.

[Wing-span]

Very. If they won't just pull out, run some dental floss under the edge of the servo and run it back and forth to cut the servo out.

..a

I guess you could pre-position the dental floss on installation. :rolleyes: !!

[roydor]

I use double sided tape, very simple, very cheap, never had a cover blow off during flight (been using this method for 3 years now). You need about 4-5 mm of rim below the servo cover, you cut the tape to that width and stick it to the wing. You push down the cover and it sticks. If you need access to the servo just pull th cover off and then stick it back again (can't do that with silicon). clear tape leaves sticky residue and can strip away small pieces of paint leaving pinholes in the paint where the tape was. I've used all methods for years and double sided tape works best!

As for attaching servo's to the wing, after having two glued aileron servo's pop off during launch (not something I want to repeat), I always use screws to attach the servo's. It lets me service servo's at the field and during competitions if needed.