Tried this for faster lift offs !

[jmiller]

I noted that at my local rocketry club the launch rods were sometimes slightly bent or out of round. Maybe sometimes a little crud build up. I noticed that my launch lugs did not always have the smoothest of glide or fit.
So I started to build the rocket with the next sized up lug . If the plans called for a 1/8 lug I use a 3/16 lug and launch the rocket on the 1/8 rod . Now for safety sake if it is a heavier rocket I do not do this because of possible rod whip . I have noted alot less drag and faster take-offs with no control issues .

 

[Bazookadale]

I've done this for years and had no problems with it. It sometimes confuses a check in officer - I have been sent to the High power pads to fly my Big Brute on an F because I have 1/2 " lugs on it - I've flown it 100 times or more from a 1/4 " rod with no rod whip or other problems.

PS - Saturday I flew my 20+ years old big bertha and it hung up on a 1/8 " rod because it was gunked up from a day of flying - wouldn't have happened if I had put 3/16" lugs on way back when.

 

[jmiller]

Nice to know I'am not the only one . I have even thought of bringing some 0000 steel wool to shine up the rods from the gunk. I do not think that others flyers would want to wait although .

 

[dave carver]

Bring the steel wool, it only takes seconds and people will just have to understand you don't want your rocket to hang up on a crusty launch rod.

Besides, those that follow will silently thank you for doing it.

 

[powderburner]

When you bring your steel wool, don't forget to also bring a little lightweight oil, and a paper towel for a final quick wipe

 

[n5wd]

Nice to know I'am not the only one . I have even thought of bringing some 0000 steel wool to shine up the rods from the gunk. I do not think that others flyers would want to wait although .

Here's a thought - instead of 'making flyers wait', when you're out there helping to set up the pads before the launch (hint hint) take the steel wool or some 120-220 grit sandpaper to the rod then, when there's no rush. Finish it off with a touch of light multipurpose oil. The launch director (as will everyone else) will thank you!

Leaving a paper towel and a small can of WD-40 at the pads lets everyone do a quick swipe when they're up, as well.

 

[RangerStl]

I like GT-85 bicycle chain lube. I think almost everything evaporates and it leaves a teflon film. Well, I use it because it's what I have laying around

 

[Larry Curcio]

Sometimes it's not the rod but the launch lug that's bent out of shape. This is a particular problem with long lugs like the one on the LOC Vulcanite. A slight warp in that puppy and it'll hang up big time. I have one that actually lifted a very heavy launch pad off the ground as it took off.

 

[astrowolf67]

Rather than steel wool, I use the green scrubbing pads made for scrubbing dishes. I soak some 3 in 1 oil into it, and keep it in a baggie in my range box. I've always been told steel wool, aside from being abrasive, leaves behind small particles which cause rods to rust quicker during storage.

David

 

[kjohnson]

I've actually put 1/8 and 3/16 lugs on some rockets to get past club racks that fill up the 1/8 rods and leave 2-3 3/16 rods fallow. No waiting!

kj