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Dubro 101- EZ Threader

Dubro 101- EZ Threader

Quality tools help you build better models. The EZ Threader is a multi-purpose tool to help you manage those smaller hardware pieces with precision and these are a few tips to get you started:

  • The EZ Threader helps you have a mechanical advantage for easier use of small plastic hardware. 
  • One end of the EZ Threader is specifically shaped for installing, adjusting, and removing nylon Kwik-Links
  • The other end can be used for Socket Ball Links and Swivel Ball Links
  • The tool also comes apart intentionally in the event that a smaller size of your link gets dropped inside on accident. The two halves are keyed so there’s no need to glue them together. 

 

Top 3 R/C Gifts For 2022

Top 3 R/C Gifts For 2022

Top 3 R/C Gifts For 2022

Christmas time is here and you still don’t know what to get your Hobby Builder.  Hobby building can be very confusing for those not immersed in it.  Here at DUBRO we recommend these top 3 must haves for any hobby enthusiast. These are great gifts for the beginner all the way up to the most advanced craftsman.

Winter is Coming…Hooray! (Snowbird Snow Skis)

Winter is Coming…Hooray! (Snowbird Snow Skis)

For many of us, cool temperatures signal the beginning of building season. But that does not mean you have to stop flying entirely. In fact, flying RC airplanes off of snow is a lot of fun…and a great cure for cabin fever! Our Snowbird Snow Skis can be mounted on a wide range of sport models in a matter of minutes. You can keep flying your favorite airplanes all year long!

Generally speaking, our skis work well with models from 20 ounces to 8 pounds. A pair of Snowbird Main Skis (part number 825) is all you need for winter flying with a taildragger model.  Do you prefer airplanes with tricycle landing gear? No problem. Just add a Nose Ski (part number 826)! We also offer Park Flyer Skis (part number 830) for smaller models (up to about 30 ounces).

Snowbird Skis are made with super-tough HDPE plastic that will last season after season. Park Flyer Skis are vacuformed from ABS plastic to keep things light. All skis include the necessary mounting hardware. Instructions are included as well. But we think you might prefer to watch our ‘Du-Bro 101’ video about skis instead.

Sure, building model airplanes is fun. But do not stay in your workshop all winter long. Get some Snowbird Skis and go outside to play!

Introducing Kwik Sand Hand Sanders

Introducing Kwik Sand Hand Sanders

Introducing Kwik Sand Hand Sanders

Building model airplanes is fun. Building model airplanes with great tools is even more fun! That’s why you need Du-Bro Kwik Sand hand sanders. These aluminum sanding bars are lightweight and durable. Their contoured handle provides a secure, comfortable grip.

Kwik Sands are available in 5.5” (Part 3400-55) and 11” (Part 3400-11) lengths. They are designed to use precut, self-adhesive sandpaper that is easy to apply. Each Kwik Sand includes a 3-pack of sandpaper with 80, 150, and 220-grit sheets. Because the sandpaper is already the perfect size, you just peel, stick, and start sanding! Rolls of replacement sandpaper are also available.

Du-Bro designed Kwik Sands with the hobbyist in mind. But we think you will find uses for them all around the house! Look for them now at your favorite hobby dealer, or DuBro.com.

Whoops, We Saved You Money

Whoops, We Saved You Money

Whoops, We Saved You Money

Du-Bro has been in business for more than 60 years. We like to think that our passion for quality is one of the prime reasons for our longevity. Producing the world’s best RC products is part of our DNA. So it feels a little bit strange to be excited about offering our customers a selection of ’not quite perfect’ merchandise. But we ARE excited! Keep reading. We think you will be excited too!

Our Treaded Lightweight Wheels, Vintage Wheels, and J-3 Cub Wheels are always popular items. Sometimes, we accidentally make units that do not meet our strict quality control standards. These wheels function just fine, and the hubs are normal quality, but the tire portions have minor cosmetic imperfections. We are now offering these ‘blemished’ wheels at significant savings! Think of it as an RC ‘scratch and dent’ sale.

We think that these discounted wheels will be popular for ‘sport scale’ applications, where modelers are willing to strike a balance between precise scale looks and stress-free flying. No hangar queens here! These wheels will look great without compromising performance or durability.

Even serious scale modelers should consider our blemished wheels. Many of us spend countless hours building super-detailed scale airplanes. We then invest many more hours ‘weathering’ those same models to make them appear aged and well-used. These blemished wheels may be just the thing to help you achieve that ‘broken in’ patina that we all seek.

Take a look at our selection of blemished wheels and see what we mean. You just might find a bargain on the wheels for your next project! Please note that these wheels are sold individually (not in pairs).

Continuing Education

Continuing Education

One of the great things about the RC hobby is that there are always new things to be learned. It’s a lifelong quest for mastery of new skills. We also think that experienced hobbyists have an obligation to share their knowledge with newcomers. That is why we started the ‘Du-Bro 101’ series of how-to videos. Each of these short videos covers an interesting hobby-related subject.

Some of our videos cover topics that we are often asked by customers, such as ‘How to Install Control Horns’ or ‘How to Use A Hinge Slotter.’ Other videos are a little more specialized. For instance, we were so excited by our Snow Buggy project that we just had to share it with everyone in a video. Even if you are a salty veteran of RC, we think that you will find a video or two to watch and enjoy.

It Takes a Village

There are often many different ways to perform hobby-related tasks. You may balance propellers or install wheel collars differently than we show in our videos. That’s fine with us! In fact, we encourage you to leave a comment with an explanation of your alternate method. The more points of view that are shared, the better!

A full listing of our videos can be found on the ‘Du-Bro 101’ link at DuBro.com. You can watch the videos right from our website. If you would like to leave a comment for any video, click the ‘Watch on YouTube” link. We are always looking for new topics to cover. So please send us your suggestions.

Finding Balance

Finding Balance

Many modelers understand that having a balanced propeller is very important to get the best performance and longevity out of your electric, glow, or gas-powered model. That is probably why the Tru-Spin Propeller Balancer continues to be one of our most popular products. This handy tool allows you to balance propellers in a wide range of sizes and materials.

The vast majority of model aircraft use 2-blade nylon propellers. I think that these are actually the easiest type propellers to balance. There are a fair number of 2-blade wooden propellers out there too. Those are also rather easy to balance. There is, however, a difference in how you approach nylon versus wood propellers.

Du-Bro teamed up with editor, Jay Smith, to share our tips for prop balancing in the September 2020 issue of ‘Model Aviation’ magazine. This article covers the basics of balancing nylon and wood 2-blade propellers. If you have not already read the article, we think you will find it very helpful. There’s no need to search through your stack of back issues. The article is available on the ‘Model Aviation’ website.

Share Your Knowledge

Of course, there are many techniques for prop balancing. The article represents just two basic methods. If you do things differently, we encourage you to leave a comment in the article with your own tips and tricks.

CHROME IS HOME

CHROME IS HOME

Back By Popular Demand

The art of building balsa models is rebounding in a huge way! Modelers of all ages and skill levels are busy framing up airplanes in their workshops (or maybe on the kitchen table). Some projects are scratch-built. Other hobbyists are finally pulling down those “rainy day” kits from the shelf. And let’s not forget the modern, laser-cut kit offerings from companies such as Old School Model Works.

For many modelers, the smell of balsa dust and the feeling of dried glue on your fingers is very nostalgic. Maybe that is why so many of you asked us to bring back another RC icon of yesteryear…our classic chrome wheels. Seriously, we heard from a lot of customers!

For decades, shiny 6-spoke Du-Bro wheels were staples at flying fields around the world. You will be happy to know that they are once again available in eight sizes ranging from 1.75” to 3.5”. You can outfit a classic model with period-correct wheels, or just add some bling to your favorite sport flyer. Whatever you decide, we want to see “chromies” on your model. So be sure to share photos with us. Just do not wait too long. Our new line of chrome wheels will only be available for a limited time.

Hunting Winter Gremlins

Hunting Winter Gremlins

Spring is coming soon! Whether you store your RC airplanes and helicopters for the winter, use skis to fly off of the snow, or escape the cold to fly year round, spring is the perfect time to make sure that your models are still in good working order. Pesky gremlins can sneak in and sabotage critical components of your aircraft. This is especially true for control system parts. So we’ve come up with a handful of tips to help you ensure that your flying machines stay safe and reliable.

Is It Secure?

Inspect all of the control system components of your model. Verify that all of the servo screws are in place and tightened appropriately. Make sure that the servo horns are securely attached to the servos. While you are at it, check out any E/Z Connectors and make sure that Snap Washers (the plastic or metal retaining pieces that are pushed onto the stud) are still doing their job. If your model uses flexible pushrods like our Laser Rods, check that the outer sleeves and pushrod exits are firmly glued in place. It is also a good idea to give each control surface a firm tug to ensure that none of the hinges have worked loose.

Is It Broken?

Du-Bro parts are tough, but they are not indestructible. Flying mishaps and hangar rash can be brutal. Bumping a control surface against the wall while moving a model in your workshop could damage a clevis, the control horn, or the model’s airframe. Look things over and replace anything that is questionable…it’s cheap insurance.

If your model has been subjected to particularly damp environments (Hey float flyers…I’m talking to you!), you may even find rusty pushrods and/or clevises. Swap those parts out before they cause a bad day! 

Is It Sticky?

Finally, you want to make sure that all of the control system parts move smoothly. The servos should move through their full range of travel without binding. Also look for twitchy movement that could indicate stripped servo gears or malfunctioning electronics.

Temporarily disconnect your pushrods from the servos and manually cycle each control surface back and forth. It is important to address any excess resistance or sticky points. I promise, those issues will not magically get better in the air.

Have Fun

Annual inspection and maintenance of your model’s control system is a great strategy to help prevent crashes and maintain great performance year after year!  

Say "No" To FAA Remote ID for Model Airplanes and other UAS

Say "No" To FAA Remote ID for Model Airplanes and other UAS

To Du-Bro's loyal customers,

I am writing to you with an urgent plea. We need your assistance in challenging proposed rules brought forward by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding remote identification of model aircraft. Like most members of the aeromodeling community, we at Du-Bro have significant concerns about the FAA's proposal and the obvious negative impacts it will have to our hobby. Many aspects of the proposal are overly-burdensome to RC hobbyists and provide no tangible improvement to airspace safety.

We believe that RC modeling is a wholesome national pastime and a springboard for aviation and aerospace careers. Please help us preserve aeromodeling by educating yourself about the proposal and voicing your disapproval to the FAA. Do not wait to make your voice heard. The comment period closes on March 2nd, 2020.

The Academy of Model Aeronautics has a webpage to help guide you through the commenting process: http://amablog.modelaircraft.org/amagov/2020/01/20/submit-a-formal-comment/

We truly appreciate your support.

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