Attaching Ball Links to Plastic Surface

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redbrickhat@hotmail.com - 26 Dec 2005 04:12 GMT

I am a beginner working on my first project, and was wondering:
What is the best way to attach a 2-56 threaded ball link to a flat
piece of plastic (from a plastic model kit)?

I don't think the ball link's base has enough surface area for CA glue,
so I decided against this option.

Another option would be to screw the ball link into the plastic. I
heard about self-threading or self-tapping screws. For these, do I have
to drill a pilot hole first, or not? And do I have to use a power drill
to drive the screws into plastic, or can I use a normal screwdriver?

I was also thinking of using epoxy putty to attach the ball link to the
plastic surface but I don't know if the putty will have enough adhesive
strength when the ball link is under stress.

Thanks.

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MK - 26 Dec 2005 05:55 GMT

The ball link should have a 2-56 threaded stub off the opposite side as the
ball and a small flat surface in between. If you can drill and small hole
you might can CA and screw into the hole. A nut on the inside would be
best. I'm trying to answer with the info given but I must say we could all
use more detail. Are you going to fly a plastic model?
mk

>I am a beginner working on my first project, and was wondering:
> What is the best way to attach a 2-56 threaded ball link to a flat
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> Thanks.

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redbrickhat@hotmail.com - 27 Dec 2005 06:11 GMT

I'm trying to make an animatronic figure from a plastic hobby model.
I'm planning to use RC airplane parts such as ball links, threaded rods
and RC servos and control it using a PIC.

I need general information on how to mount ball links onto a plastic
surface which doesn't have any preexisting threaded holes in it.

I don't know what would be the best option (withstand pulling forces
from the servo rod): drill a hole, use epoxy putty to create an
adhesive base, or CA glue.

Thank you.

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Martin X. Moleski, SJ - 27 Dec 2005 14:35 GMT

> ... I need general information on how to mount ball links onto a plastic
>surface which doesn't have any preexisting threaded holes in it.

>I don't know what would be the best option (withstand pulling forces
>from the servo rod): drill a hole, use epoxy putty to create an
>adhesive base, or CA glue.

If there is enough material and if you have access, drill through
the plastic and thread the ball into a plate behind the plastic
surface.

If you don't have access to the inside, you'll have to learn
what works best with your materials. I'd start with drilling
and tapping, then add adhesive or epoxy as needed to
give you durability.

Good luck with your project!

Marty

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Model Forum / General / Models / December 2005

Attaching Ball Links to Plastic Surface