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-   -   Estes Old-Style Engine Hook (http://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=2079)

SatelliteInterceptor 08-25-2007 03:26 AM

Estes Old-Style Engine Hook
 
I know that they don't produce the old-style Estes engine hook anymore, but I like that hook better then the new-style hook. Does anyone feel the same way ? Also, my main question is, does anyone know of a place where the old-style hooks can be purchased ? Thank you.

CPMcGraw 08-25-2007 06:37 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by SatelliteInterceptor
I know that they don't produce the old-style Estes engine hook anymore, but I like that hook better then the new-style hook. Does anyone feel the same way ? Also, my main question is, does anyone know of a place where the old-style hooks can be purchased ? Thank you.


While they're a bit slimmer in cross-section, the SEMROC engine hooks have the same, simple profile as the original Estes hooks.

I think the BMS hooks are also similar in profile, but slimmer in width. Maybe not as slim as SEMROC's.

tonypv 08-25-2007 07:31 AM

Flis Kits also has standard size engine hooks.

Mach1 08-25-2007 09:56 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by SatelliteInterceptor
I know that they don't produce the old-style Estes engine hook anymore, but I like that hook better then the new-style hook. Does anyone feel the same way ? Also, my main question is, does anyone know of a place where the old-style hooks can be purchased ? Thank you.


Glad to know that I'm not the only one who hates the "new style" motor hook. I guess they're, not so new now.....they've been around for a long time. Here's what I do with them. I cut off the extra hook part with a tin-snips, straighten it a bit, and then bury the cut end in the front end of the motor mount. The end result is a motor hook that's a ringer for the old style one.

Ltvscout 08-25-2007 10:13 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mach1
Glad to know that I'm not the only one who hates the "new style" motor hook. I guess they're, not so new now.....they've been around for a long time. Here's what I do with them. I cut off the extra hook part with a tin-snips, straighten it a bit, and then bury the cut end in the front end of the motor mount. The end result is a motor hook that's a ringer for the old style one.

Yup, same thing I do. Works great!

dwmzmm 08-25-2007 11:04 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ltvscout
Yup, same thing I do. Works great!


I do the same, too. Be careful after you cut that ugly part off; the metal can be very, very
sharp and will cut your fingers/hand if you're careless afterwards (happened to me once)...

Also, BMS has the Estes original style engine hooks and works great, too.

Royatl 08-25-2007 12:14 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by SatelliteInterceptor
I know that they don't produce the old-style Estes engine hook anymore, but I like that hook better then the new-style hook. Does anyone feel the same way ? Also, my main question is, does anyone know of a place where the old-style hooks can be purchased ? Thank you.


Semroc, Fliskits, and BMS.

Quest and Custom produce some variation of the current Estes version.

I have about 30 original Estes clips, and a few from BMS and Flis. Just got a dozen or two more Estes clips from someone dumping his old rockets.

I replaced the clip in my Interceptor with an original Estes clip, but I decided to go with the current Estes clip in the Red Max.

In particular, don't use current Estes clips with mini-motors. They often impinge on the exhaust and cause thrust vectoring.

dwmzmm 08-25-2007 01:09 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Royal
Semroc, Fliskits, and BMS.
In particular, don't use current Estes clips with mini-motors. They often impinge on the exhaust and cause thrust vectoring.


And, I can't tell you how many times I've seen the current Estes clips snag on to a clothes
pin support and the model, with the engine full of life, just sits there on the pad. Sometimes
very embarrassing to the rocket's owner....

sandman 08-25-2007 01:38 PM

The old style engine clips can be easily made from the stainless steel metal clips used on wiper blades.

Stop by any auto service store (especially right at the begining of a good rain storm) and you can pick up a lifetime supply for free. One wiper blade gives you enough material for 8 to 12 engine clips.

Just use two pairs of pliers and a spent motor to guage the size.

The best way to cut the metal is with a good cold chisel, hammer (a high energy enertial device :rolleyes: ) and the anvil flat area of a good vise.

CPMcGraw 08-25-2007 01:44 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mach1
Glad to know that I'm not the only one who hates the "new style" motor hook. I guess they're, not so new now.....they've been around for a long time. Here's what I do with them. I cut off the extra hook part with a tin-snips, straighten it a bit, and then bury the cut end in the front end of the motor mount. The end result is a motor hook that's a ringer for the old style one.


I don't do any cutting, but simply bend the art deco end up a tad until it's parallel with the long end. Then I turn the clip around backward. The modified end can be used to attach the Kevlar to (with a dab of epoxy), and the "front" end becomes the new business end.


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