Tail Boom Repair technique

[kmkstar]

While replacing and repairing the other two heli's I found a common tool that works very well to repair a bent tail boom.

I use a long Phillips screw driver & rubber mallet helps to tap out creases while the screw driver is in the tube.



I also used this super long screw driver that I found useful.



Insert the shaft of the screw driver down the tail boom (Note: see the damage).



While holding on to the tail boom, hammer/force the screwdriver down the tube to push out the dents.



I was able to get it pretty straight, as you can see.



This has worked well enough to keep me in the air till new parts get here

[tombo242]

Hammer & screwdriver kmkstar - that's my style too when nothing else works.

Tom.

[solentlife]

A 450 boom is approx 10.5 - 11mm ID and is difficult to find an interference fit to do similar.
But a 10mm long masonry drill can be used to drive down through to remove worst dents. Careful wriggling can also pop creases / dents etc.
Best to have a nice smooth rounded end so the dent is 'eased' out ...

Now if anyone has access to a Music repair shop - then get to know the guy who straightens / removes dents in trumpets / horns etc. as they use the method of steel balls connected in a string. Various sizes depending on where the dent betc. is.

[G.K.]

Old thread I know but I thought I'd add my tuppence worth.
Some may already know this, some may not be interested:

Aluminium work hardens, bend it a few times and it breaks.

To soften or anneal aluminium rub soap (hand tablet type, may work with other soaps?) onto the surface, even coating all over. Place ali object on clean part of soldering mat, slow cooling works best. Heat object evenly with plumbers soldering torch or the like, keep the flame moving or you'll melt it. when the soap turns black stop. Leave to cool down.....Presto a nice soft piece of aluminium with uniform crystalline structure.

The soap plays no chemical part in the annealing process, it's just a temperature indicator.

....try it, if you ruin your tail boom it's not my fault and if your boom is already black?

[tombo242]

That's one really great tip there Gary.

Tom.