H in t s F or H o m e b uil d e r s
Wax
The multiple uses
for this simple product
By Cy Galley
Wax is known for making your painted plane shiny,
but it has other uses, too. Unlike oil or grease, wax
doesn't attract dirt and grime, which can work into
bearings and other parts, creating wear. Many
bicyclists routinely remove their drive chain and
place it into a vat of molten paraffin wax to lube it.
WD-40 and the LPS series of spray lubes are wax
based, as is Boeshield.
There are places on your airplane where a dry,
clean lubricant is very desirable—places such as
door latches where you need smooth actuation, but
the handle needs to be clean so that your clothing and hands don't pick up the dirt and grime that
come when using a grease or oil. The solution? Rub
the latch and the striker with a candle.
Rubbing a candle on window slides also makes
them move easier without damage to the Plexiglas.
Candle wax will reduce wear on your cowl overlaps as well.
A bit of candle wax is also handy in making machine screws go into nut plates. Dragging a wood
screw across
your candle will
make it much
easier to install.
Because candle
wax doesn't
attract moisture
it helps reduce
corrosion of the
metal screw in the
wood. Plus the wax
is easily removed
when painting so one
doesn't get those nasty "fish
eyes" from the silicone lubes.
Lastly, place a colored crayon mark on
each of your exhaust stacks if you are
trying to find out which of your cylinders
is missing or not firing. Briefly run
the engine, then look to see
which stack has the melted
wax. Works every time without burning your fingers.
Hints for Homebuilders Videos
Installing Circuit Breakers
In this video, Dick and Bob Koehler show how to install circuit breakers for your panel. Dick and
Bob are both Technical Counselors, A&P; aircraft mechanics with Inspection Authorization (IA),
and SportAir Workshop instructors.
Practical Weight & Balance
Filmed live at AirVenture 2012 in Paul's Vintage Workshop, volunteer Joe Norris discusses the
practical aspects of why weight and balance is critical to safe flight. Joe is an FAA CFI, A&P;
mechanic with IA rating.
EAA Experimenter
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