Variations on attaching the wing tips...
 

I've got to that stage of the build where I'm giving thought to attaching the wing tips. I've seen different methods of attaching them, such as:

- pulled rivets
- screws
- hinges

I think I'm unlikely to remove them once they're on - even with annual inspections I can't see that there will be a great deal to be gained from taking them off, when a borescope could do the same thing?

If anybody would be good enough to explain their reasoning for their chosen method of attaching the wing tips that would be very useful.

Thanks in advance!

Rob

Most builders have nav/strobes mounted on the tips, some included landing lights (like me). Add a VOR antenna to one wing and there is ample reason to be able to remove the tips for future maintenance.

I use nutplates and tinnerman washers under the screw heads as this protect the wing paint. I don?t use hinge pins as I enclose the trailing edge tip rib (like all the other control surface end ribs).

Carl

Rob, I think this thought will bite you.

#6 countersunk screws and nutplates
 

I went with #6 countersunk Torx stainless steel screws and floating nutplates. I like the way it turned out. I guess you would be surprised how many times you might need to remove them.

You can kind of see how it was done here:

http://www.rv8.ch/inside-the-wingtips/

I went the hinge rout. Reason? I have two sets of wing tips. One set is all painted, the other is not.
The not painted set I modeled smoke cartridge attach brackets and ignition system for a formation flight team I used to work with. I also fabricated a wing tip "locker" in one of this set.
I can remove and replace a wing tip in about five minutes and the not scratch up any paint.
The only drawback was that I also needed two sets of wing tip mounted nav position and strobe lights as well as the fiberglass blisters to mount them.

I used #4 ss screws. Makes for a nice finish with screw heads looking similar size and spacing to rivets in the rest of the wing. I only have removed tip 2–3 times in 14 years of flying. Just a check every 2-3 condition inspection to take a peek inside.
I would not do it again as the #4s are easy to strip the head with a battery screwdriver (I have specific bit I use only for these #4s), easy to twist off heads, and too many screws to remove to take off tip.

#6 SS screws and regular plate nuts for me and I do remove them every condition inspection.

I built my RV simple. Used pulled rivets per plans. I have position lights only in my wingtips and bulbs/connectors are easily inspectable. However, through 9 years of flying I had to remove the tips twice. Once I hit a hard snow bank while taxiing and second time buchered both leading edges on rollout. I would install screws or combination screws/hinges if I do it again. It would make repairs easier :)

I just found out about the floating nutplates. Sometimes the handmade holes don't quite aligned and the floating nutplates saved the day.

Build with ease of maintenance in mind. That goes for the rest of the plane too.