Typically, I would use a ball link on the flap end of the bellcrank pushrod and on the elevator end of the long pushrod. Does anyone use ball links on all four connections? That's what I intend to do on the Chipmunk unless someone can point out a major downside to it.

<Does anyone use ball links on all four connections?>
I do...but.... I'm nobody. Grins  ..... .....

Doug Moon posted a piece on his forum (RIP) about not lubricating ball links, as the lube would attract dust and wear out the link.  I believe this to be true.  The trouble with them is still that the plastic housing shrinks on a cold day and binds against the ball.  I will run some tests this winter on lapping them to correct this.  Has anybody tried to find an answer to this?  There are some DuBro ball links that have a threaded stud through a split in the housing, but they look too lightly built.  Might there be a link from cars or some other application which solves this?  Tom H.

Tom,
My solution for the cold weather shrinkage of the plastic is quite effective and simple - don't fly when it's cold!
Signed,
Fair weather wimp.

Hi

Ball links in stunt ships DO need to be lubricated, I have seen **many** ships that had nice smooth controls at first but then either got stiff or  locked up. I have had to cut into some ships to lubricate and free up the ball links, after they were lubed all was good and back to normal.
Not only does heat and cold affect the link, it seems as though  rain and wet weather  does  also. And I have seen  way too many planes that had to be cut into to free them back up.
Do not use a petroleum based grease or oil. Some times this will attack the plastic.
 I use a synthetic silicone grease or a Teflon type lube. Recently I have tried RC car lube with good results.
I would not worry about dust wearing out ball links in stunt ships, the only dust there would be balsa dust which will not wear them out.
A helicopter is entirely differant, the helicopter will kick up sand and much debris that is very hard and will wear out controls

Regards
Randy

I am "really" nobody, but I lubricate my ball links (use ball links on all connections). I use TEF-GEL
http://www.tefgel.com/index.htm
I use TEF-GEL on marine and aeronautical fittings, metal to metal and metal to plastic. Never a problem, regardless the temperature
Jim

Clint,

Well, you'd be better off with Rocket City ball links, but at least make sure you use a retaining washer over the link to keep the plastic from popping off the ball under load.

Clint,

Well, you'd be better off with Rocket City ball links, but at least make sure you use a retaining washer over the link to keep the plastic from popping off the ball under load.

I don't know where to get Rocket City stuff anymore. Is there a source?

The ones I carry are the Rocket City version.

Jim Snelson
Control Line Central
www.clcentral.com