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10-20-2012, 10:17 AM
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Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Auburn, WA
Posts: 45
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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.
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10-20-2012, 10:21 AM
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Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Auburn, WA
Posts: 45
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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 ??
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10-20-2012, 10:26 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 159
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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
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10-20-2012, 10:28 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 159
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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
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10-20-2012, 10:40 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: New London, NC (near Charlotte), Boulder, CO
Posts: 271
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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
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10-20-2012, 11:05 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Big Sandy, WY
Posts: 2,567
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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.
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Actual repeat offender.
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10-20-2012, 11:07 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 17
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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.
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RV-8 flying, RV-7A flying, CH-750 flying, RV-14 next
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10-20-2012, 01:36 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Auburn, WA
Posts: 45
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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!
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10-20-2012, 09:37 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Hillsboro, OR
Posts: 63
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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.
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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.
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10-25-2012, 10:07 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 247
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As a general rule - any locking nuts that can be threaded by hand are worn out and should be tossed. Nutplates are locking devices.
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