Kaplow Klip Kwestion

[Mad Rocketeer]

When using Kaplow Klips to retain motors of varying behind-the-MMT-length, does one just use multiple sets of straps, each for a different degree of extension?

I'm building an LOC Graduator, and it has a 29mm mount plus an adapter for 24mm. When using the adapter and taping the motor and adapter ends to prevent forward motion (in lieu of a thrust ring), it will stick out farther than it will with a reloadable 29mm casing in there. The clip will also have to reach farther across to hold both a 24mm motor and the adapter in place than it will to hold a 29mm casing.

What's the best practice here?

The Graduator is single motor rather than cluster, and I've included blind nuts for two clips, spaced at 180 degrees. I'll probably be attaching the rear CR tonight.

Thanks!

 

[rstaff3]

When I adjust the height of motor clips, I use a brass stand-off cut to keep the clip close to horizontal. I almost always use 2 opposing clips.

 

[bsexton]

What Dick said. I've got a few pairs of brass stand-offs to accommodate different motor heights that keep the clips near horizontal.

 

[Mad Rocketeer]

Good idea. Are these usually found at hobby shops? Lowes?

I have some brass strip material, bought at the hobby shop, 12" long, 1/4" wide, and 1/32" thick. Will this do for the clips when drilled for the screw to pass through? How best to cut it? Hack saw? Tin snips?

 

[rstaff3]

I have one commercial set of clips and a bunch of mirror brackets that I move from rocket to rocket. Never did the brass strip thing. The stand-offs are sections of brass tube from the hobby shop, cut to length.

Since the mirror brackets don't have lips to fit over the rear of the motor, it is important to get them tight and add some tape to keep them from moving over.

 

[bsexton]

Yes, I also should have been more specific. The stand-offs are brass tubing cut to length that fit over the bolt/screw to hold the clip level with the motor. I have attached a picture for reference. The clip on the left is from Giant Leap (under motor retainers) and the clip on the right is from BSD (comes with their kits). Hope that is more clear...

 

[Stymye]

heres annother example of standoffs on my msh V2

https://www.rocketryforum.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=124846

 

[Mad Rocketeer]

Well,I did some measuring last night. The strip is 1/4" wide, and the screw is 1/8" wide. That would leave 1/16" on each side of any hole I drilled. Too narrow. I need something else. Maybe wider brass, maybe a commercial clip.

 

[Stymye]

the clips in my post are "mirror clips" from Lowes or Home depot

different shaped clips can be found in the fastener section where they keep the specialty hardware in the stacked drawers.

 

[illini]

Related question:

I have a 29mm model with a solid balsa boat tail with ~ 1/4" thick edge around MMT. The only other centering ring (plywood) is about 6" up from the base. I'm thinking threaded screw inserts (6-32 or 8-32) epoxied into the boat tail are the way to go here, but they'll be kissing the MMT on the side too. Sound right? Any other suggestions?

 

[Mad Rocketeer]

Originally posted by Mad Rocketeer
Well,I did some measuring last night. The strip is 1/4" wide, and the screw is 1/8" wide. That would leave 1/16" on each side of any hole I drilled. Too narrow. I need something else. Maybe wider brass, maybe a commercial clip.

My current thinking is to just get some longer screws of the same size (so they can reach back farther for 24mm motors in a 24-29 adapter, giving both a tape-built rear thrust ring) with wider heads and use washers of the correct inside and outside dimeters to hold each configuration of motor in, without getting over into the exhaust stream. I'd still need some brass tubing for spacers of various lengths.

Better to do that (the washers) or better to buy a new wider brass strip and make the clips?

 

[bsexton]

Washers will work fine. I have a couple of rockets that use washers for motor retention instead of clips. I also use Aero Pack and Slim Line retainers. I've purchased but have not used the PML motor retention "system". They all work and have their place...