Do I need one of these for a 24/40 case?

[Rocketbuilder]

I will be ordering a 24/40 case from Hobbylinc soon, and while browsing the site I found this: http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/aro/aro91295.htm Do I need one?
Thanks.

[kjohnson]

Not required, but sure makes things easier.

kj

[SacEsq]

Ditto that ... glad I got one.

[MarkII]

+1. What they said. The motor hook cut-outs in the aft closures of hobbyline motors have sharp corners and edges that can be hard on the hands. Plus the aft closure for the 24/40 is unique for being very thin*, which can make it harder to grip. You won't need this all the time, but it's cheap and you'll be glad you have it when the need does come up. And it will.



*Upper right in the photo above.

[McKailas Dad]

I would only use it to loosen the closures.

When I got my 24/40 case new, I hand tightened both the closures, then using an X-acto blade, made 'tick' marks on the closures and the case.

Now, when I assemble, I know the seal is good when all the 'tick' marks line up.

The first (fuzzy) pic is 'not quite tight', second and third are 'just right tight'



I have never had to use any tools to disassemble my 24/40 case.

If anything, I would deburr the sharp spots on the rear closure, and assemble by hand.

Just my 1 3/4

[Rocketbuilder]

Well, I think I'll pass on the wrench, for now at least. I have pretty small fingers, so I don't think it'll be too much trouble to assemble/disassemble by hand.
That's a good idea to put tick marks on the case. I might have to steal your idea, er, I mean, follow your example.

[qquake2k]

I'd get the wrench. I put off getting one when I first got into reloads, then when I finally got one, I wished I'd gotten it in the beginning. Makes things MUCH easier. And it'll fit both 24/40 and 29/40-120 cases.

[El Cheapo]

Never used one myself. I just use a rag to tighten or loosen. Think of closures like an oil filter, a touch passed snug is tight enough. If you get a stubborn one, just use your teeth.

[Wayco]

Never used one myself. I just use a rag to tighten or loosen. Think of closures like an oil filter, a touch passed snug is tight enough. If you get a stubborn one, just use your teeth.

I've been using the rag also, but it keeps getting caught in the threads and I have to loosen it again to clear them. Sharon can't quite get these closures tight enough with her grip, and since she is building her own reloads, I think I will be getting one with my next order from Hobbylinc.

I'd get the wrench. I put off getting one when I first got into reloads, then when I finally got one, I wished I'd gotten it in the beginning. Makes things MUCH easier. And it'll fit both 24/40 and 29/40-120 cases.

Thanks Jim, I was going to ask about compatibility with larger cases, but you answered my question already.

[SacEsq]

Also considering what is spent on the case(s) the wrench is a nominal cost comparatively and works 100% of the time as opposed to hands, rags etc.

[Pem Tech]

Get the wrench...
It is better to have a tool and not need it than to need it and can't find a vendor.

The only time I need the tool is for 24mm RMS reloads, for some reason they act like they are over sized and have to be snugged into the case.

[Daddyisabar]

You are way cool if you have the cash for a nine dollar (Hobbylinc discount) wrench worth 2 bits max. All I can do at the launch is bitch and moan that I won't or can't spend the money to get one, then try to bum one off the high end Aerotech guys. Just look at all those scars on my hands trying to close up those 24mm bugger reloads with the back handle of an Xacto knife or pliers! All could be avoided if I would just give in to the high profit margin wrench - just like printer ink. But at least it gives me a chance to blast AT and yearn for even higher end and more expensive Cessaroni products to come. Until the gravy train arrives I am just stuck with greasy hands, an Xacto knife handle and lots of parts to assemble, but at least I can be a full-fledged cheapskate and complainer.

[NAR29996]

This is the tool that I use: http://www.amazon.com/Aircraft-Tool-.../dp/B005VRANUO

Of course, I had a couple in my tool box from when I worked in aerospace.

[Daddyisabar]

Awesome - these are going on my Xmas list. Boy, won't the AT fellers be jealous when I whip out this bad boy!

[JPVegh]

Never had one, never needed one. A cheap pair of work gloves (2 for a buck at the dollar store) has protected my hands just fine when tightening and loosening closures. I'm a cheap SOG.

[k-rad du0d]

+1 on using your teeth. That's how real men do it.

[qquake2k]

This is the tool that I use: http://www.amazon.com/Aircraft-Tool-.../dp/B005VRANUO

Of course, I had a couple in my tool box from when I worked in aerospace.

Oh damn. A tool I don't have. I have GOT to me me one of those!

[qquake2k]

+1 on using your teeth. That's how real men do it.

I thought real men used their armpits for reload cases, and their teeth for beer bottles.

[Wayco]

I thought real men used their armpits for reload cases, and their teeth for beer bottles.

Yeah, and here is one of those "Real Men":

[qquake2k]

Yeah, and here is one of those "Real Men":

Hey! Where'd you get a picture of my uncle?

[Wayco]

Hey! Where'd you get a picture of my uncle?

Here you go:
http://humor-in-photos-and-pictures....toothless.html

[jd2cylman]

Mine is the old style square one they first developed. Works great. Saves the hands. Oh, yeah, got mine for free from an AT rep at the Hobby trade show years ago at Donald E Stevens Convention Center when NIRA did the make it take it booth. So, I vote for getting one. As with anything, use in moderation. Just because you have the wrench; it doesn't necessarily mean that you have to use all of your strength to tighten the case. Your hands will be happy you got one.

Adrian

[Zeus-cat]

At $9+ it is overpriced, but they are nice and make using the reload cases a lot easier on the hands. And don't forget it has multiple uses; you can use it to put the case together AND take it apart!

[Bravo52]

OK all you Broke-A$$'d rocketeers....here is the challenge. Lets figure out how to do this the thrifty way.

That way we can be called "creative"

Here is my entry. This is what I use on my 29/40-120 case. Fits perfect and has a thumb-hold as well

[thobin]

Humm think i'm going to have to buy the aircraft pliers! I can think of a hundred things I can and could have used that for.

TA

[MarkII]

The AeroTech wrench fits all four of the hobbyline motor aft closures, as shown in the attached photo. (Clockwise starting with the upper left are the 18/20, the 24/40 (different color than the others because it's a Rouse-Tech version), the 29/40-120 and the 24/60 motors.) In contrast to a pair of pliers, The AT wrench has zero chance of gouging up or otherwise marring the surface of your closure.

[Rocketbuilder]

If I only plan on having one case size, is there any reason I couldn't use a metal rod or a flat piece of metal the same size as the slots in the aft closure?

[CarVac]

The nozzle sticks out past the thrust ring, so it won't work. See here:
http://www.aerotech-rocketry.com/cus...39-9t_assy.pdf

[chadrog]

I'd get the wrench. I put off getting one when I first got into reloads, then when I finally got one, I wished I'd gotten it in the beginning. Makes things MUCH easier. And it'll fit both 24/40 and 29/40-120 cases.

Fits the 18mm as well.

[CarVac]

Note that it won't fit over a G138 nozzle, if you choose to fly them (they're AWESOME) in a 29/40-120 case.