Securing a payload bay?

[bjphoenix]

This is for a BT-60 size LP rocket with plastic nose cone and plastic transition at the back. I won't be flying a payload but I prefer not to glue it all together. I don't want it to come apart o ejection so I'm afraid if I friction fit with tape it would have to be so tight that it might not come apart in the future. My past rockets- I built an Estes X-Ray and an Estes Ranger. I know that the X-Ray was put together with sewing pins holding the balsa nose cone, tube and balsa bulkhead together. I probably did the same with the balsa nose on the Ranger. I've built a number of LOC MPR kits with payload bays and I just put flathead wood screws in from the outside. I thought about doing that with the BT-60 size rocket. The smallest screws I can find in the hardware store are #4, maybe if I could find smaller screws I would be more apt to use them.

 

[kalsow]

I've ordered tiny screws from mcmaster-carr. But, your local drugstore probably has eyeglass repair kits. They have some pretty little screws.

https://www.amazon.com/Eyeglasses-1100Pcs-Stainless-Screwdriver-Sunglasses/dp/B07BK4DPRJ/

 

[Art Upton]

This is for a BT-60 size LP rocket with plastic nose cone and plastic transition at the back. I won't be flying a payload but I prefer not to glue it all together. I don't want it to come apart o ejection so I'm afraid if I friction fit with tape it would have to be so tight that it might not come apart in the future. My past rockets- I built an Estes X-Ray and an Estes Ranger. I know that the X-Ray was put together with sewing pins holding the balsa nose cone, tube and balsa bulkhead together. I probably did the same with the balsa nose on the Ranger. I've built a number of LOC MPR kits with payload bays and I just put flathead wood screws in from the outside. I thought about doing that with the BT-60 size rocket. The smallest screws I can find in the hardware store are #4, maybe if I could find smaller screws I would be more apt to use them.

I used 2/56 sized self tapping screws on the BT-60 sized rockets, one was actually enough

 

[shanejohnson2002]

For LPRs and MPRs, I usually drill equidistant holes (3 or 4 depending on design), hardened the edges with CA, and used these:
https://www.apogeerockets.com/Building_Supplies/Misc_Hardware/Removable_Plastic_Rivets


For HPRs, I use the same hole technique but go with something a little tougher:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LYEZH4C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&th=1

Dressed with these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073ZCZ1YM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

And secured with these + some 1/8" craft plywood backing:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075ZZ265S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Is it overkill? absolutely. But it looks really good and is definitely very secure. Plus the packs come with enough to secure several rockets.