How do you secure your main gear retaining pin?

[ncostes]

The one that keeps the main shaft attached to the main gear? On a 4g6 or 4g3. I know about the paper pin mod, styrene, aluminum pins, etc. this is with the factory pin.

It's a bit loose now since I took it out to replace the main shaft and put it back in.

Could bend it a bit, rather not. Could put a drop of silicone on or a drop of elmer's glue, something that can be peeled off but would retain it?

Or maybe use a bit of solid copper wire and just bend it around instead of the steel pin?

[Steve Joblin]

I use a "nano drop" of CA... I use a pin to swipe the thinist, slightest amout of CA on the pin before I insert it... it is just enough that holds it quite firmly in place, yet I can break the seal and remove it if needed. the other trick is to apply a thin coat of CA on the pin and let it dry. This will increase the diameter of the pin making for a tight fit. you could do the same with clear laquer or nail polish.

[ncostes]

Good tips. I considered a drop of CA but I have yet to master the "nano-drop" usually it ends up being a deluge.

The 2nd technique might be more appropriate for me, thanks.

Edit: I've been thinking of trying the paper pin mod, but 185 GSM paper converts to a bunch of different weights in LB, depending on the type of stock, so I gave up I supposed I can just buy some 72LB (one of the conversions I found) paper and try it, worst that can happen is I have to glue more sheets together.

[60something]

Use a drop of blue loctite, let it set up overnight once its in. Easy to punch out the next time, but stays put.

[ncostes]

Originally Posted by 60something

Use a drop of blue loctite, let it set up overnight once its in. Easy to punch out the next time, but stays put.

But the main gear is plastic, I thought blue would degrade plastic, no?

[john aeras]

Originally Posted by ncostes

But the main gear is plastic, I thought blue would degrade plastic, no?

It's not locking up against the plastic, it's locking up against the metal main shaft.
To avoid all this you could use 1mm styrene rod, you cut the tip on an angle insert and cut to length. This helps with crashes as well. (doesn't strip main gear)

[ncostes]

Originally Posted by john aeras

It's not locking up against the plastic, it's locking up against the metal main shaft.
To avoid all this you could use 1mm styrene rod, you cut the tip on an angle insert and cut to length. This helps with crashes as well. (doesn't strip main gear)

Ah I see, loctite the pin only, but some will get on the gear when you slide it in, I guess it doesn't matter.

The wait overnight part is the only downside

I read about the styrene pin mode but apparently that doesn't last very long. The paper pin mod seems to be the favorite, I haven't had a chance to buy some heavy paper to try it though but I will. I've used some solid copper wire before - it was flexible enough to bend back around like a clip.

Thanks to all for the info.

[johnsma22]

I've been flying Walkera's, of various types, for the better part of two years now and I've never used anything to secure the pins. I just push them in there and away I go. Have not had a pin fly out yet.

[john aeras]

Originally Posted by ncostes

I read about the styrene pin mode but apparently that doesn't last very long.
Thanks to all for the info.

I use the styrene, it lasts until you crash and hit the rotor blades.

[Steve Joblin]

where do you get 1mm sytrene rod from?

[john aeras]

Originally Posted by Steve Joblin

where do you get 1mm sytrene rod from?

From my LHS (actually 3 of them carry it!)

[Steve Joblin]

I'll have to look... actually, I'll have to look for a LHS... we don't have many near where I am at.

[john aeras]

Originally Posted by Steve Joblin

I'll have to look... actually, I'll have to look for a LHS... we don't have many near where I am at.

In that case... here it is online:

http://www.elmcityhobbies.com/shop/i...roducts_id=342

[Steve Joblin]

Cool! Thanks! I googled, but couldn't find it.