Ye Olde Rocket Forum

Go Back   Ye Olde Rocket Forum > Work Bench > Building Techniques
User Name
Password
Auctions Register FAQ Members List Calendar Today's Posts Search Mark Forums Read


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #51  
Old 03-11-2009, 09:19 PM
hcmbanjo's Avatar
hcmbanjo hcmbanjo is offline
When Pigs Fly!
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 1,102
Default Making Engine Hooks

I remember reading about making engine hooks from the metal strips in windshield wiper blades. In all my years of building, the few engine hooks I made were fashioned from wire or paper clips. I always used hooks from vendors. I did a search last night and pulled up this thread.

I have to admit, it felt strange reaching into the trash can at the auto supply store. But then again, I'll never see these people again. There were four open packages of used wiper blades, I grabbed them all.

When I got home I realized only two of the four blades were suitable for engine hooks. Next time I'll look to see that metal strip "peeking" out the side of the rubber blade.

I used flat pliers to make the 90 degree bends. I "cut" the flat metal by holding it in an end nipper and simply bending it back and forth. It really only took two bends either way to break it off. The ends were a little sharp, I dressed them with a metal file.

Simple and fairly fast. I now have 10 standard and 4 mini-engine hooks. It only took 30 minutes to bend, cut and dress them all. I saved 50 cents a pop (whoo-hoo!) and have a story to tell.
__________________
Hans "Chris" Michielssen
Old/New NAR # 19086 SR

www.oddlrockets.com
www.modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com
http://www.nar.org/educational-reso...ing-techniques/
Your results may vary
"Nose cones roll, be careful with that."
Every spaceman needs a ray gun.
Look out - I'm the Meister Shyster!
Reply With Quote
  #52  
Old 03-11-2009, 10:16 PM
foose4string foose4string is offline
Master Modeler
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,019
Default

I have a relative who used to be a manager at a Jiffy Lube. A year or two ago I asked him to save a bunch of used wiper blades and told him the reason behind it. Couple weeks later I had dozens of blade inserts. He even went through the trouble of stripping them down for me and giving me the bare metal. About half of them were too wide, stiff, or too heavy, but I got a enough good ones to make LOTS of motor hooks. I use a pair of Klein 2000 series side cutting pliers cut them to the right length. Cuts through 'em like butter.
Reply With Quote
  #53  
Old 03-22-2009, 11:15 AM
Solomoriah's Avatar
Solomoriah Solomoriah is offline
Incorrigible Kit Basher
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,888
Default

Re-reading this thread, I see several people who mentioned modifying the "bottom" end of an Estes hook, then installing it upside down. Perhaps I'm missing something... I have several rockets where I installed the hook upside down without modifying it at all.

I just stripped down a wiper blade and got two perfectly-sized strips of metal; I made two hooks from it that look almost as good as factory, and I have lots left. Excellent tip!
__________________
NAR # 115523
Once upon a better day... SAM #0076
My site: http://rocketry.gonnerman.org
Reply With Quote
  #54  
Old 03-22-2009, 11:27 AM
mycrofte's Avatar
mycrofte mycrofte is offline
Trust me, it'll work!
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,840
Default

I don't know which ones are new or old. But I like the clips with the finger tab for getting the old engine out. At least they work ok on 'C' size engines without messing up a launch...
Reply With Quote
  #55  
Old 03-22-2009, 01:04 PM
shockwaveriderz shockwaveriderz is offline
rocket dinosaur
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: My Old Kentucky Home
Posts: 1,184
Default

a few months back I asked if anybody knew when Estes changed over from the old to the new engine hook. Could some of you guys that have kits from the mid to late 80's and early 90's look at your kits and see if you can tell when they changed over.

I had a former manufacturer ask me to ask this question.

thanks in advance

terry dean
__________________
"Old Rocketeer's don't die; they just go OOP".....unless you 3D print them.
Reply With Quote
  #56  
Old 03-22-2009, 03:06 PM
Mach1's Avatar
Mach1 Mach1 is offline
Rocket Junkie
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 48
Default

I have an original Super Vega Kit, (vintage 1993) and it came with the old-style motor hook. I think they changed during this timeframe or soon after that.
__________________
Joe Michel
NAR 82797 L2
http://www.geocities.com/jm44316
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:38 AM.


Powered by: vBulletin Version 3.0.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Ye Olde Rocket Shoppe © 1998-2024