Attaching Ball Links to Plastic Surface

I am a beginner working on my first project, and was wondering: What is the best way to attach a 2-56 threaded ball link to a flat piece of plastic (from a plastic model kit)?

I don't think the ball link's base has enough surface area for CA glue, so I decided against this option.

Another option would be to screw the ball link into the plastic. I heard about self-threading or self-tapping screws. For these, do I have to drill a pilot hole first, or not? And do I have to use a power drill to drive the screws into plastic, or can I use a normal screwdriver?

I was also thinking of using epoxy putty to attach the ball link to the plastic surface but I don't know if the putty will have enough adhesive strength when the ball link is under stress.

Thanks.

Reply to
redbrickhat
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The ball link should have a 2-56 threaded stub off the opposite side as the ball and a small flat surface in between. If you can drill and small hole you might can CA and screw into the hole. A nut on the inside would be best. I'm trying to answer with the info given but I must say we could all use more detail. Are you going to fly a plastic model? mk

Reply to
MK

I'm trying to make an animatronic figure from a plastic hobby model. I'm planning to use RC airplane parts such as ball links, threaded rods and RC servos and control it using a PIC.

I need general information on how to mount ball links onto a plastic surface which doesn't have any preexisting threaded holes in it.

I don't know what would be the best option (withstand pulling forces from the servo rod): drill a hole, use epoxy putty to create an adhesive base, or CA glue.

Thank you.

Reply to
redbrickhat

On 26 Dec 2005 22:11:12 -0800, snipped-for-privacy@hotmail.com wrote in :

If there is enough material and if you have access, drill through the plastic and thread the ball into a plate behind the plastic surface.

If you don't have access to the inside, you'll have to learn what works best with your materials. I'd start with drilling and tapping, then add adhesive or epoxy as needed to give you durability.

Good luck with your project!

Marty

Reply to
Martin X. Moleski, SJ

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