Coupler Tip from Jeff Gortatowsky

This was one of those things I never thought about, but is important especially with the new (tight fitting) red Estes couplers and quick grabbing glues.

TIP: Put several wraps of tape around the coupler where it should stop. Then twist in with one motion. The tape lets you get aggressive and still not go too far if it grabs a little and you have to push.

Jeff Gortatowsky
Redondo Beach, CA. NAR 70988

Jeff later wrote:
I believe it would work fine for all couplers but with low tack tape or very narrow strips. You don't want to lift any of the paper off the coupler taking the tape off. So you need to be careful or wind it on the coupler such that pulling the tape off does not lift the end winding of the coupler.

Thanks Jeff!
That's a good point about not pulling off a layer of the coupler when removing the tape. You can reduce the tack of the masking tape by pressing it on your jeans and pulling it off a few times. This leaves small denim fibers on the tape and reduces the stickiness.

TIP: The newer RED Estes couplers have a tight fit right out of the bag.
Sand them until you get a smooth slip fit in the tubes you are joining.

TIP: Titebond II and the new (Stronger Formula) Elmer's White Glue can grab quickly, sometimes before the coupler or engine mount is slid into it's final position!
When in doubt, mix up some Epoxy for gluing in engine mounts and couplers.