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-   -   Nose Cones on Payload Section (http://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=18092)

Dave Pritts 10-02-2019 10:19 AM

Nose Cones on Payload Section
 
Recent Mid Power builds include Payload sections with recovery system below in the booster section, popped by motor's ejection charge as normal. I would like to keep the nose cone removable to allow access for altimeters, etc. Tape around the shoulder has failed for me. Maybe Rivets or Screws,

Any opinions on what's the best way to secure nose cone?

astronwolf 10-02-2019 12:38 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Pritts
Recent Mid Power builds include Payload sections with recovery system below in the booster section, popped by motor's ejection charge as normal. I would like to keep the nose cone removable to allow access for altimeters, etc. Tape around the shoulder has failed for me. Maybe Rivets or Screws,

Any opinions on what's the best way to secure nose cone?

By "tape around the shoulder" do you mean a friction fit? That doesn't always work. Instead, I wrap tape on exterior of rocket where the nose cone - body tube meet. This is not a friction fit. You want to make it look nice, then use aluminized mylar tape. I've also used colored electrical tape which seems easier on the underlying finish but does a nice job at securing nose cones.

ghrocketman 10-02-2019 02:29 PM

Screws are a more-positive non-finish-marring retention method.
That said, I have had zero cone retention issues using friction fitting through H-power.

jadebox 10-02-2019 02:32 PM

Screws also work. I have used metal and nylon screws on different projects. With cardboard tubes, you probably want to reinforce the holes in both the tube and nosecone since they can wear over time and get large enough that the screws fall out. A little CA around the edge of the holes in the tube is a quick reinforcement.

sandman 10-02-2019 04:18 PM

Yes, screws work for me too.

I use teeny tiny wood screws.

Dave Pritts 10-02-2019 04:19 PM

how do you gauge how tight to make it without making it destructive to get the cone in and out.

Dave Pritts 10-02-2019 04:21 PM

teeny as in #4 or # 6 by about 3/8?

Dave Pritts 10-02-2019 04:22 PM

seems like nylon screws would hold down the weight. What size would you use on a 3" and a 4" rocket?

Dave Pritts 10-02-2019 04:30 PM

Friction fit is what I have been using with mixed results. Can't tell if I have it tight enough because I don't get to fly my MPR birds a lot. The electrical tape idea sounds interesting although I'd like a cleaner look if possible.

LeeR 10-02-2019 05:11 PM

On my Estes Mammoth, I wanted to be able to bust it in half for easier transport. I used very small screws (around #3 I’d guess) in 3 locations (since it’s a 3-finned rocket, I wanted symmetry.) I toughened the holes in the tube with thin CA. The screws go into the coupler, and I toughened these holes with CA as well.

If you want a quick-to-connect/disconnect solution, Apogee sells nice two-piece removable rivets. A 10-pack is $3.86.

https://www.apogeerockets.com/Build..._Plastic_Rivets


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