May I ask a "build" question?

[Missed approach]

so - being the simpleton that I am - here comes a real beaut...during assembly of the 2000mm Beaver - I "snapped" the arm over the ball joint while attaching the link arm to the elevator tab instead of unscrewing it - it snapped over the ball joint - but I should probably have unscrewed it and re-assembled rather than just snapping it over - it seems fine - just don't want to lose elevator in flight - do you guys think if it seems fine - its fine or should I replace it? Probably some terminology issues here - sorry

[shocktrooper]

Just my 2 cents…but as a retired A&P, I carry over the same care and diligence to do-no-damage to RC aviation components as I always did with the full size, people carrying birds. I think it best to thread the screw and ball to the link rather than "snap it", which in my thinking could put a crack in the I.D. of the hole…perhaps that you did not notice & that could spell disaster with the elevators or ailerons.

[Missed approach]

Just my 2 cents…but as a retired A&P, I carry over the same care and diligence to do-no-damage to RC aviation components as I always did with the full size, people carrying birds. I think it best to thread the screw and ball to the link rather than "snap it", which in my thinking could put a crack in the I.D. of the hole…perhaps that you did not notice & that could spell disaster with the elevators or ailerons.

Yeah...feel like an idiot...looks fine - should I replace it?

[shocktrooper]

If you have a duplicate spare on hand…I would. If not at least (unscrew it and look at it with a magnifying glass under good light) and see if you see any damage…if not…reinstall (the safe way) and "Let the Good Times Roll" buddy!

[WintrSol]

Are you concerned that you damaged the control arm that is attached to the elevator, or the ball link? The ball comes screwed to the control arm, and you should just snap the control rod over the ball. I suppose you could unscrew the ball from the arm, snap it into the control rod, then screw it back, but the instructions don't say to do that, nor is it necessary, if you are careful not to stress the arm too much. The instructions do mention attaching the ball link with the screw, but the spare parts show the ball already attached; they don't even mention the ball on the rudder, but I have to assume it comes the same way.
Rod is one of the two with the ring on the end, for those who haven't seen them: https://www.motionrc.com/products/fm...d-set-fmmpq116

[Missed approach]

Are you concerned that you damaged the control arm that is attached to the elevator, or the ball link? The ball comes screwed to the control arm, and you should just snap the control rod over the ball. I suppose you could unscrew the ball from the arm, snap it into the control rod, then screw it back, but the instructions don't say to do that, nor is it necessary, if you are careful not to stress the arm too much. The instructions do mention attaching the ball link with the screw, but the spare parts show the ball already attached; they don't even mention the ball on the rudder, but I have to assume it comes the same way.
Rod is one of the two with the ring on the end, for those who haven't seen them: https://www.motionrc.com/products/fm...d-set-fmmpq116

I feel better hearing you say that - I was careful - but after I snapped it on - I was worried - it looks fine and has no damage - so thanks again - and thanks for the clarification on the terminology - sorry about the lack of clarity

[yorkiepap]

It probably wouldn't hurt to make a very small investment & get a ball link plier.....certainly cheap enough.

Denny

http://www.banggood.com/Ball-Link-Plier-RC-Helicopter-Airplane-Car-Repair-Tool-Kit-Tool-p-85998.html

[ryramZ]

[WintrSol]

A ball link plier was my next suggestion. Much safer than thumbs, IMO.

[xviper]

I'm not clear on what's being asked here. Are you saying that you "snapped" the ring (circle part) of the control rod over the ball? Isn't that what you're supposed to do? How else is it going to go on? The ring is supposed to have some expansion capability in it. Ball link pliers are the best tool for the job but I've been also known to pop them on (and off) with needle nose pliers when ball link pliers just won't fit in some tight spaces. As long as the groove inside the ring and the ball itself is not damaged and nothing else cracked, I'm not too concerned. Or did I misunderstand something here?

[wpmay]

I'm not clear on what's being asked here. Are you saying that you "snapped" the ring (circle part) of the control rod over the ball? Isn't that what you're supposed to do? How else is it going to go on? The ring is supposed to have some expansion capability in it. Ball link pliers are the best tool for the job but I've been also known to pop them on (and off) with needle nose pliers when ball link pliers just won't fit in some tight spaces. As long as the groove inside the ring and the ball itself is not damaged and nothing else cracked, I'm not too concerned. Or did I misunderstand something here?

I agree with xviper2. I did a short early stint with helicopters where ball links are commonly used and you do need to snap them on whether with ball link pliers or by hand. The whole idea is that the ring "rides" on the side of the ball so the link can function smoothly at different angles. If you were to remove the ball and then reinstall it "through" the ring it really wouldn't be installed properly because the ring would actually be "below" the ball rather than around it. As the "ball link plier" video mentions, they actually are designed to snap on only one way. If you look VERY closely you can usually tell that one side of the ring is VERY slightly wider and that is the side that should be snapped over the ball.

Bill

[Missed approach]

I agree with xviper2. I did a short early stint with helicopters where ball links are commonly used and you do need to snap them on whether with ball link pliers or by hand. The whole idea is that the ring "rides" on the side of the ball so the link can function smoothly at different angles. If you were to remove the ball and then reinstall it "through" the ring it really wouldn't be installed properly because the ring would actually be "below" the ball rather than around it. As the "ball link plier" video mentions, they actually are designed to snap on only one way. If you look VERY closely you can usually tell that one side of the ring is VERY slightly wider and that is the side that should be snapped over the ball.

Bill

Thank you very much guys - yeah after I snapped it on (which is how I installed them) I thought maybe I was supposed to unscrew and re-screw it on - I feel better knowing that this was how to install it - thanks again you guys!

[xviper]

I thought maybe I was supposed to unscrew and re-screw it on

You didn't do it wrong. If I'm getting you correctly, you were thinking about unscrewing the ball part from the control horn and then putting the ring part on from the other side? You still would have had to "snap" it on. It doesn't just "slide" on from the other side. Both outer edges of the ring part is just slightly bigger than the diameter of the ball. The ring has to "pop" past the first edge to seat. The second edge kind of prevents it from going right through, although that can happen if too much force is used. Stylistically, it looks like this if you look at it in cross section .................... <O>

[shocktrooper]

I did not realize that it was ok to just "pop" the ball into the link….I was doing it the hard way!…and I see now that I too, was not completely understanding the application and function of the ball & link. Thanks guys! Its never too late for and old-dog to learn something new and useful. What is old to some is often new to others. My new P38 is the first plane I have set up with these type of control rod to control surface connections. I will revisit each one before I maiden her this weekend…if the winds here will stop howling long enough! Thanks for the correction on this component fellas!

[Missed approach]

I did not realize that it was ok to just "pop" the ball into the link….I was doing it the hard way!…and I see now that I too, was not completely understanding the application and function of the ball & link. Thanks guys! Its never too late for and old-dog to learn something new and useful. What is old to some is often new to others. My new P38 is the first plane I have set up with these type of control rod to control surface connections. I will revisit each one before I maiden her this weekend…if the winds here will stop howling long enough! Thanks for the correction on this component fellas!

I LOVE the P-38 lightning - blast to fly - great plane RC and actual