Tight Coupler Fixes - TIPS

This was actually Post 7 from the Estes Python build.
I missed posting it and found it later in the blog drafts.
This information could be applied to any tight red couplers from Estes kits.
This Python kit was different - the coupler was glued into the upper tube, the lower side of the coupler slid into the lower tube.

This red adapter was really tight in its BT-55 tube.
It was sanded down for a better slip fit. It took a lot of sanding to get a sliding fit that wouldn't "lock-up" when glue was added to the mix.

The instructions have you glue the coupler 1/2 the way into the upper tube. 1/2 of the coupler is only 5/8" exposed. On this model it's not much for a steady fit. I'll leave more exposed out the bottom.

1/3 of the coupler was slid into the tube and marked with a pencil.
Don't glue in place yet. The coupler was removed.

After sanding the coupler for an easier fit, the surface is rough.
The coupler got a coat of medium CA up to the pencil line.
Below the pencil line is where it will it will be glued into (on this model) the upper tube.

The dried CA was sanded smooth with 400 grit.
This makes for a smoother sliding coupler into the upper section.

The coupler ends were sanded round for easier insertion in the tubes.