VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics

  #1  
Old 10-20-2012, 10:17 AM
hjd3021 hjd3021 is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Auburn, WA
Posts: 45
Default Nut Plate Question

As a first time builder I am just starting to install nut plates on the rear spar for attachment of hinge assembly. I installed the nut plates as specified in the plan. Installation was no problem. After I installed them I took one of the apporpriate bolts just to make sure everything was OK. I started to thread the bolt in by hand and it seemed to start OK but quickly seemed to lockup. Do these nutplates have a self locking feature which would explain the fact that the bolts don't thread in easy? I was going to look at them closer but did not have a chance last night.
__________________
John H
Auburn, WA
RV-12 #120672
N672JH Reserved
Empennage/Tailcone Kit Finished
Wing Kit Finished
Fuselage Kit 95% complete
New RV-12iS Fuselage Kit - in progress
http://www.mykitlog.com/hjd3021/
hjd3021@comcast.net
http://hjd3021.smugmug.com/Airplanes...7474307_JMNgxT
2020 VAF Supporter - worth every penny!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10-20-2012, 10:21 AM
hjd3021 hjd3021 is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Auburn, WA
Posts: 45
Default

I think that I found the answer I was looking for in this thread. Should have read all the threads closer.

Loctite on AN3 Bolts ??
__________________
John H
Auburn, WA
RV-12 #120672
N672JH Reserved
Empennage/Tailcone Kit Finished
Wing Kit Finished
Fuselage Kit 95% complete
New RV-12iS Fuselage Kit - in progress
http://www.mykitlog.com/hjd3021/
hjd3021@comcast.net
http://hjd3021.smugmug.com/Airplanes...7474307_JMNgxT
2020 VAF Supporter - worth every penny!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10-20-2012, 10:26 AM
stevemcgirr stevemcgirr is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 159
Default Yes they do

I'm sure you will get other responses, but nutplates are designed to lock the bolt and they do require a pretty significant amount of torque to thread in, ie you can't fully thread them in with your fingers

There is a "tip" on the EAA website, under the homebuilders link and the videos listed there, where it is suggested that you pre-treat the nutplates prior to bolt insertion, with a tap of appropriate size. This is not a good idea, IMHO, in places where the bolt needs to stay locked, but may be acceptable when the bolt will need to be frequently inserted and removed
__________________
Steve McGirr
RV7 N1991M
First Flight: May 18, 2013
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10-20-2012, 10:28 AM
stevemcgirr stevemcgirr is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 159
Default

Again, my opinion, but the number of places where loctite is a good idea is very infrequent. In most instances, you will be using nylock nuts, star washers, or some other mechanical means of locking the bolts in place
__________________
Steve McGirr
RV7 N1991M
First Flight: May 18, 2013
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10-20-2012, 10:40 AM
AeroDog AeroDog is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: New London, NC (near Charlotte), Boulder, CO
Posts: 271
Default nutplates

[quote=stevemcgirr; <snip>

There is a "tip" on the EAA website, under the homebuilders link and the videos listed there, where it is suggested that you pre-treat the nutplates prior to bolt insertion, with a tap of appropriate size. This is not a good idea, IMHO, in places where the bolt needs to stay locked, but may be acceptable when the bolt will need to be frequently inserted and removed[/QUOTE]

I agree. Running a tap through the threads removes some of the self-locking capability. I do use Boelube, however.

Jerre
__________________
Empennage, fuselage and wing kits complete
Finish kit nearly complete
RV-12 120593 N42KJ reserved
http://webpages.uncc.edu/~hill
http://jerre-hill.blogspot.com
=VAF= dues paid 2020
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10-20-2012, 11:05 AM
aerhed aerhed is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Big Sandy, WY
Posts: 2,567
Default

Look closely at one of your nutplates. You will see the threads are formed and then they are crimped on the outside parallel to the legs as a lock feature. Lots of past discussion here on tapping versus stretching versus leaving them alone. For me, its leave them pretty much alone on critical structure, stretch 'em where I need to, and I don't think twice about tapping some in floorboards or sometimes thin parts that get deformed from too much strong arming.
__________________
Actual repeat offender.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10-20-2012, 11:07 AM
Rich_in_AK Rich_in_AK is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 17
Default tapping nutplates

My general rule that I used on both my RV-8 and RV-7A is this: If a bolt goes through a structural component, leave the nutplate alone. If a screw goes through an inspection cover or other type of removable cover, then I tap it to make install/removal easier. I have never had a single screw come loose in operation and it saves a lot of screws from being ruined being stripped out with the screwdriver.
__________________
RV-8 flying, RV-7A flying, CH-750 flying, RV-14 next
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10-20-2012, 01:36 PM
hjd3021 hjd3021 is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Auburn, WA
Posts: 45
Default

Thanks everyone for the responses - this forum is excellent in getting answers to the questions. I will take a look at the materials referenced and a closer look at the nutplates as well. So much new stuff to learn! Its been fun so far!
__________________
John H
Auburn, WA
RV-12 #120672
N672JH Reserved
Empennage/Tailcone Kit Finished
Wing Kit Finished
Fuselage Kit 95% complete
New RV-12iS Fuselage Kit - in progress
http://www.mykitlog.com/hjd3021/
hjd3021@comcast.net
http://hjd3021.smugmug.com/Airplanes...7474307_JMNgxT
2020 VAF Supporter - worth every penny!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10-20-2012, 09:37 PM
RVTrumpet's Avatar
RVTrumpet RVTrumpet is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Hillsboro, OR
Posts: 63
Default

I am pretty sure that the part of the nutplate that has the threads cut into it is not a completely circular shape, but just the slightest bit like an oval. This forces the bolt to expand the nutplate to the correct size. In this way, the oval shape put a force on the bolt similar to that or a lock-washer on a nut.
__________________
RV addict for life.

NOTE: The information, ideas, and opinions presented in this post are my own and not those of my employer. Build, test, and fly at your own risk.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10-25-2012, 10:07 PM
waterboy2110 waterboy2110 is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 247
Default

As a general rule - any locking nuts that can be threaded by hand are worn out and should be tossed. Nutplates are locking devices.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:35 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.