Installing hinges on an RC airplane is one of the most important steps in creating reliable, precise control surfaces. Whether you’re working with ailerons, elevators, or rudders, the hinge line must be straight, centered, and structurally secure. DU-BRO’s Hinge Slotter Kit—available in two versions—makes this process easier, cleaner, and more repeatable than traditional hobby knives or makeshift tools. In this DU-BRO 101 guide, we’ll break down how the Hinge Slotter works, how to use each tool safely, and tips for getting professional-quality hinge slots every time.
DU-BRO offers two versions of the hinge slotting system:
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Cat. No. 660 – Hinge Slotter Kit with handles
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Cat. No. 216 – Hinge Slotter tips-only kit
The tips-only version gives you flexibility to use custom handles or ergonomic grips, which some builders prefer for harder woods. Both versions include the same precision slotting tools, made from high-grade, durable plastic and designed for repeat use.
Organizing Your Hinge Slotter Tools
A hinge slotter kit includes several small components—fork tools, hook tools, interchangeable parallelogram centers, and the hole-center tool. These pieces are essential for creating accurate hinge slots, so keeping them organized matters. Many hobbyists store everything in an old servo box, which fits the parts perfectly and protects the delicate edges.
DU-BRO also offers a full line of hinges compatible with all slot sizes produced by the Hinge Slotter system.
Choosing the Correct Slot Size
The parallelogram centering guide is the heart of the hinge slotter. The center insert is interchangeable, allowing you to match slot width to hinge size. Each fork tool also corresponds to a specific slot width:
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Small
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Medium
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Large
Selecting the proper size ensures the hinge fits snugly without excess play or crushing the surrounding wood.
The kit also includes a hole-center tool, which is helpful for:
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Aileron torque rod installation
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Drilling CA hinge holes
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Creating centered glue channels
How to Cut a Perfect Hinge Slot
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Pinch the parallelogram around your control surface.
Center the guide on the location where the hinge will go. -
Insert the fork tool.
Using a gentle rocking motion, work the fork deeper into the wood until the slot is formed. -
Clear excess debris.
Retrace the cut several times until the slot is smooth and uniform. -
For hardwoods:
Use the fork tool to mark both ends of the slot, drill a pilot hole at each end, then use the hook tool to cut and clean the slot. -
Check the hinge fit.
The hinge should seat tightly without forcing or distorting the wood.
For sanding and shaping hinge lines, DU-BRO offers excellent hobby tool sets to complement the slotter.
Drilling Centered Glue or Torque Rod Holes
With the hole-center insert installed in the parallelogram, you can perfectly align the drill point. Pinch the device on the control surface, drill the hole, and you’ll have a precise entry channel for torque rods or CA glue wicking when installing CA hinges.
DU-BRO CA-style and nylon hinges pair perfectly with these slots.
Care, Safety, and Reuse
These tools are sharp. Always keep fingers away from the blade path and avoid pulling the hook tool toward your hands. After each use, clean off dust and debris so the kit is ready for the next project.
To complete your setup, DU-BRO offers hinge tape, glues, and other RC building essentials.
Using the DU-BRO Hinge Slotter Kit ensures every hinge slot is straight, consistent, and structurally reliable. With practice, you’ll produce cleaner hinge installations, smoother control movement, and stronger, longer-lasting RC airplane surfaces.
