Ball links, non standard, why?

[troasb]

Hi

When I got my E5 in late spring and soon crashed it, I discovered that the ball-links Synergy is using are special for Synergy and needs a special Boto-sizer and special ball-link pliers. I am wondering why Synergy is using a non standard type ball-links? I have had trouble with this as it was difficult to obtain these, out of stock everywhere, when I needed them.

Trond
Norway

[curmudgeon]

The Synergy ball links are beefy and oversized (I believe 5.5mm).  You can enlarge your ball link pliers hole with a Dremel to accommodate these larger ball links. 

[Roger]

Bigger is better!! 😁😁

ROG

[Ding0]

This is news to me, but I did purchase the ball sizer just because. I already own a plier, do I need to purchase another one just for the E7SE that I'm waiting to arrive?

[troasb]

This is news to me, but I did purchase the ball sizer just because. I already own a plier, do I need to purchase another one just for the E7SE that I'm waiting to arrive?

Yes you have to purchase a new plier or modifiy the one you have with a Dremel to fit the 5,5mm balls Synergy uses. If you use a standard plier you will damage the balls and it is difficult to use. Align and many others use balls that are less than 5mm. And buy up some spare ball links as these can be difficult to get.

[Mike Dipalo]

It's not just Synergy. You'll find other companies now use larger links. For example, the pitch links on the E700 are larger last I checked, and I think there's a good number of larger balls on the Monstro as well.

For ball sizing, the Boto-Sizer is one easy way. Another I've used for many years is to chuck a spare ball, either smooth or rough, into a rotary tool (Dremel) or drill. Pop that into the link and spin it until you're able to move the link easily on the ball. You end up with a close running fit every time.

Beware running too fast or too long however. With a fast too like a Dremel, it's relatively easy to overheat the ABS plastic to losing it's shape.

[Ding0]

What new plier is suggested? can someone provide a link...

[curmudgeon]

FBL Ball Link Pliers for 4.7-6.0 MM links

[Ding0]

Thank you for the link! Too pricey for my blood though - if I use them 5 times in a year it'll be a lot!
 

[Kevin Feil]

Synergy has always been known for having the Biggest balls in the industry 😜, I will say that all the previous Helis I have flown, I have snapped links left and right for one reason or another, Synergy Ball Links are Bigger and more robust and will withstand even the worst crash as well as countless hours or TIS "Time In Service". I understand that individuals budgets are tight and it may not yield the opportunity to purchase FBL Ball Link Pliers, but I will say, And this is my opinion , if you only used them 5 times in a year ( you used the correct tool ) 5 times and won't run the risk of damaging or compromising your ball links. It would suck to see someone crash a heli due to a link failure (tooling marks) resulting in even more expense. By all means I'm not saying this because I have Interest in FBL Rotors and did the Proto type testing on these, I'm only saying this because I have seen this happen through out my stint in this hobby, and I have purchased Synergy Helis from others and some (not using the proper tool or properly modified) ball links looked like a infant baby Cut there teeth on them. If you don't buy them, just make sure you properly modify your current ones.

K

[curmudgeon]

These pics compare the Align links (left and center) next to the more robust Synergy links (right).

[Ding0]

Yeah Kevin, I know what you mean - there's nothing like having the right tool for the job. I can easily however shape my existing plier with my dremel tungsten carbide cutter. But then it won't work on my Sceadu!

Looks like I'll need it after all! 

[cml001]

I have the Align ball link pliers... I used the Dremel to make them work with the larger balls.. It still works fine for my Align birds too. Just don't go crazy with the Dremel.