TQ builders /Flap Handle

[jackpilot]

I am using (lucky one) Padraig's TQ Knobs:



Question:
How do I attach the flaps Knob to the handle.
It is flat, made of resin, and I do not want holes in the top.
Would wood or metal screws do the job?



How did you do it?
Thanks for info.

[Trevor Hale]

Well, Mr. Jack..  I think your wood screw idea would work if you predrilled the holes small enough, although I would worry that over time pulling up on it would strip the threads and crack the plastic.  If I were you, I would look at "JB Weld" or epoxy to attach it. 

God knows, you would never want to have to order a replacement, l think you were lucky enough to get the first set LOL.

Just my theory..  But for more of you "Mechanical types" I am sure you all have more ideas..

[Boeing Skunk Works]

My flap lever is made of oak and the top is shaped plastic stock. I Dremeled a rectangular hole in the bottom of the flap handle top and JB Welded it in. Hasn't moved since.

[ian@737ng.co.uk]

hi jack......
on both my Symulatory and Revolution Simproducts TQ's, the flaps handle is held in place with a small plate similar to your drawing.   and like Trev i was nervous that when i got the first one, the handle may work loose on the screws.
so i stripped it off and used 2 part Epoxy resin (Araldite, which i suspect is similar to JB Weld)) to fix it as well as the screws.   never had a minute's bother with the original one.
may just do the same to the new one.  but this looks better fixed.
have a great day boys.....
regards ... ian

[Joe Lavery]

Hi Jack,
The flap handle on the real 737 is held by two very small pins (I'm sure you already know this).
So to fix mine I drilled through the side of the handle and also through the lever at the same time. You'll need a pillar drill to do it accurately. Then I tapped a fine thread into them both and screwed a long thin bolt into the prepared hole.
It's very strong and doesn't move at all. The best part of course is that it can easily be removed and no messy glue.

Cheers
Joe

[jackpilot]

Hi Joe
I noticed the two horizontal dot where the pins go.
But the top of he lever has to be inserted vertically into the handle, right?
Did you make a vertical slot inside the handle?

[Joe Lavery]

Absolutely correct Jack, I have a small lathe that incorporates a milling head but you can do the same thing with a pillar drill. Just drill a row of holes and clean them out with a small chisel. It realy does hold the handle rigidly.

Cheers
Joe.

[jackpilot]

Thank you Guys....
Will post pics when my TQ is 100% finished.
Takes time but great satisfaction.

[jackpilot]

Done. Just in case someone would use the method, here it is .
Pictures are easier. Actually, as said above this is how it is set in the real airplane.

Of course, drill the knob first, insert the alu part and drill it through the same holes

[when acting as a wave]

Beautiful work, Jack. That ain't coming off in a hurry!

Dean.

[mpl330]

Nice work Jack!
Looks nice and solid now...

Cheers
Mike

[Trevor Hale]

Awesome,  Looks very solid.  I have a feeling you were sweating when you were drilling the holes in that handle, in hopes it wouldn't blow apart

Great work.

Trev

[jackpilot]

Made out of resin, tends to melt with very irritating fumes when dremmeled too fast.
Came out nice but I could'nt afford a mistake so I was extra careful.