How do you get skid tube plugs in?

[AliHumphrey]

The skid tube plugs seem really tight to get in. What is the technique to get them in?

Cheers,

Ali

[flyalan]

A Hammer


Seriously...  I use a sharp exacto knife to shave them just a bit evenly around their diameter.  They do have a slight taper so they get tighter as they are inserted.  Also be sure to use a knife or file to remove any chaff on the inside of tube ends. There can be a little bit of a burr where the aluminum was cut. I have found that doing that first typically precludes any need for trimming the plugs.  After they are snugly fit I wick in a drop of CA for good measure. 


Cheers
Alan

[Darren Lee]

I use a hole reamer to chamfer the inside of the tube ends.

[flyalan]

I use a hole reamer to chamfer the inside of the tube ends.

Now that is easier than the exacto knife!  Thanks Darren!

[Ross Lawton]

I do the same as Darren and Alan, using an old hole reamer to chamfer the internal section of the skid tubes and then knock in the plastic plugs with a hammer using a little CA to secure them in place.

Cheers,
Ross

[Shane Butler]

I gave up using them! I crash too often and it's a pain getting them off to get at the inner skid nuts.

[Rodney Kirstine]

I gave up using them! I crash too often and it's a pain getting them off to get at the inner skid nuts.

+1