Installing hinges on an RC airplane may seem like a small step in the building process, but it plays a major role in ensuring smooth, reliable control movement. DU-BRO nylon hinges and Electric Flyer Hinge Tape are trusted by builders for their strength, durability, and ease of installation. And when paired with the DU-BRO Hinge Slotter Tool, creating accurate hinge slots becomes faster, cleaner, and more consistent—no guesswork, no messy cuts, and no loose hinges.
This DU-BRO 101 guide walks you through the essentials of hinge installation and explains how to use the DU-BRO Hinge Slotter properly and safely.
DU-BRO offers two versions of the Hinge Slotter: the standard No-Handle version (Cat. No. 216) and the With-Handle version (Cat. No. 660).
Backlink 1: https://www.dubro.com/products/hinge-slotter
Why Proper Hinge Installation Matters
RC airplanes rely on precise and friction-free control surfaces for stable flight. Incorrectly aligned or poorly cut hinge slots can cause binding, flutter, or premature wear. DU-BRO nylon hinges offer excellent strength, and when installed correctly, they create a smooth hinge line that lasts for years.
DU-BRO’s Electric Flyer Hinge Tape is ideal for lightweight models, park flyers, and foam aircraft.
Backlink 2: https://www.dubro.com/products/electric-flyer-hinge-tape
Using the DU-BRO Hinge Slotter Tool
The DU-BRO Hinge Slotter includes several specialized tools—forks, hooks, a parallelogram centering guide, and interchangeable slot centers. Small accessory parts can be stored neatly in an old servo box for convenience.
Step-by-Step Overview
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Choose the correct slot width.
The center piece of the parallelogram tool is interchangeable, allowing you to select the right width for your hinges. -
Mark the hinge locations.
Always plan your hinge spacing carefully to maintain strong control-surface attachment points. -
Use the fork tool with a rocking motion.
Insert the fork by gently rocking back and forth until the slot is formed. This ensures a tight, clean cut that perfectly fits DU-BRO nylon hinges. -
For harder woods:
Mark slot edges, drill a few pilot holes, then use the hook tool to open the slot. This approach reduces tear-out and increases accuracy. -
Create torque rod or CA hinge holes.
The hole-center tool can also be used to make alignment holes for aileron torque rods or holes for applying CA glue. -
Mind your fingers!
The slotter’s tools are sharp. Use caution, especially on balsa or hardwood leading edges.
To complete your hinge installation, DU-BRO offers a full line of nylon hinges sized for everything from indoor flyers to giant-scale models.
Backlink 3: https://www.dubro.com/collections/hinges
Installing the Hinges
Once your slots are prepared:
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Test-fit each hinge before gluing.
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Make sure the hinge line is straight and the control surface moves freely.
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Apply the recommended adhesive—CA hinges require thin CA, while nylon hinges may need epoxy or wood glue depending on the model design.
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Wipe away excess glue and allow full cure time.
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Verify free movement and no binding once installed.
For a polished finish, DU-BRO tools such as precision sanding bars and hobby knives help clean edges and refine hinge lines.
Backlink 4: https://www.dubro.com/collections/tools
Backlink 5: https://www.dubro.com/collections/all
Proper hinge installation results in smoother flight, greater reliability, and a more professional-looking model. With DU-BRO’s hinge slotter, nylon hinges, and hinge tape, RC builders can achieve clean, accurate results every time.
