SonexBuilders.net

Newbie here with a dumb question. I recently ordered the tail kit to a Onex and am having a heck of a time removing the rod from the 6' length of piano hinge provided. I tried the drill method as described in the EAA video but after the first foot of extraction the rod just twists and binds and won't come out. Is there a better way and have I already compromised the rod with so much twisting?

I'm guessing your hinge came as a roll in your hardware kit?Else I can't see there being any problem removing the rod .I ordered from Aircraft Spruce and the hinges came as straight pieces and the rods slide out without any problem and slide back in the same.I can only guess that rolling it up puts undue stresses in it somehow.

Is it already installed? If it isn't it should just slide right out, unless there is a burr on the end you are trying to pull through.

Eric M


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Check the hinge material for masking tape - on mine they used masking tape to secure the hinge pieces together and the tape bound up in the hinge and prevented the pin from pulling out....


Robbie
Sonex 1517

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You may have galled the hinge pin rod. Try using WD-40 on the hinge line and see if that helps.

Thanks for your replys, guys. Yes, the hinges came with the kit and were loosely folded in half for shipping. Of course they were straightened for rod removal but there was still some slight deformation where the bend was. I'm guessing the spinning of the rod in this area possibly caused some galling or scoring on the rod as suggested making it even more difficult to extract. Now it just spins a few rotations in either direction, binds, and won't budge. I'll try the WD-40 and see what happens.

I am having a hard time believing we are talking about the same thing. It was folded in half lengthwise, as it is supposed to be, right? I made a little "punch" out of a small screwdriver. I ground the tip flat and use that with a little love taps on the hammer to get it into and out of hinges that are binding a little bit. Once there is enough to grab on to then I use the drill and twist and pull it out.

To follow up, I was finally able to remove the rod by using a lubricant and constantly spinning it back and forth with the drill. I notice there are other concerns with piano hinge rod/pin removals on this forum. I think it's a mistake for Sonex to ship the hinges folded in half. Not saying that's the problem but I can't see any benefit other than shipping. For another reason I ended up ordering a 6' replacement hinge from Aircraft Spruce and not only did they ship it as a straight piece, they also taped it to a 1"x2" board for extra support. Maybe they know something.

Bacon8tor wrote: I think it's a mistake for Sonex to ship the hinges folded in half. Not saying that's the problem but I can't see any benefit other than shipping. For another reason I ended up ordering a 6' replacement hinge from Aircraft Spruce and not only did they ship it as a straight piece, they also taped it to a 1"x2" board for extra support. Maybe they know something.

Are you sure your hinges came from Sonex?Mine came with the hardware kit from Aircraft Spruce and like your recent order came straight and also strapped to a length of wood.
It's been a while but I don't remember any coming from Sonex.But then again I'm getting old :|
Mike