Igniter and Micro Clip Tips

Before igniters had thin bridge wires, you had to connect micro clips as close to the nozzle as possible. From the 1969 Estes catalog (Yellow Pages) you can almost read the words "Attach clips close to nozzle."

Now you can connect the clips towards the ends of the igniters, out of the way of the flame.

I never liked the term "bunny ears". That's what Quest now calls the loop you make at the ends of the igniter wire, just outside of the paper tape retainer. Estes calls them a "U" shaped loop. I'll go with the title: "U shaped loop".

Until recently, I didn't put this bend in the igniter wires. I do now!

It gives you more igniter wire contact when connecting up the clips. The clips simply have more to grab on to.

TIP: When I got back into the hobby, I pulled the paper retainer off when prepping an engine. Leave the paper on. It helps retain the shape of the wire and keeps the pyrogen on the thin bridge wire on the middle bend.

TIP: Take an extra moment when connecting up micro clips. Keep them away from the nozzle path and they can last for years!

Bending the leads AWAY from the nozzle will keep the clips out of the engine flame. Connect the clips to the "U Loop" outside the paper tape.

TIP: Insert the igniter leads so you can bend the igniter wires out and opposite the side of the launch lug. This keeps the micro clips away from the launch rod, another possible cause of shorts.