Just bought a launch kit, a few questions about lift off

The Rocketry Forum

Help Support The Rocketry Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
The tape is NOT only to hold the rocket off the deflector and prevent the micro clips from shorting on the metal plate. It is also important for MANY Estes kits to prevent the back end of the rocket or the motor clip hook from getting stuck on the tapered plastic center part of the standard blast deflector. If the rocket gets stuck, it will stay on the pad and cause damage.

The sanding is for the joint in the middle fo the rod. if the joint is very smooth, then no sanding is required. If the rod is bent at the joint, unbend it. Use of very fine sandpaper or stainless steelwool is best as it will not cut big grooves into the rod while sanding. The 4 foot long steel rod at the hardware store is better since it is longer and has no joint in the middle. Just select a straight one when buying.
 
Back
Top