ETLB Squawk Forums — Archive

Sometimes small parts of the build turn into unexpected challenges. I am talking here of the small 7 inch by 5 inch curved aluminum door for the fuel tank cap for the gas tank in forward fuselage. Not sure how to make a securing device to keep the door shut. I do not need to lock it, but just keep it securely closed. I tried using roller catch which is used in cabinet hardware, but the aluminum door is at an angle, so the clip does not engage the rollers at the proper angle. Does any one have a simpler solution ?
Thanks

I have no idea what roller catch is, will this work? https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-.....+hinges+self+closing

Rivet on a steel washer to the door and bond a neodymium magnet to the frame...

Quoted from Stilson Rivet on a steel washer to the door and bond a neodymium magnet to the frame...

I bought one of those ( again cabinet hardware ) magnetic closers. But those again mount at an angle to the door on the inner wood RS-8 frame, so the small steel plate on the door is not making contact with the magnet.  Let me see if I can buy just the magnet and attach it to the RS-8 frame.

And about the spring hinge , I already have aluminum lightweight hinge installed at the top.

Thanks.

Fuel tank door latch

Quoted from Stilson Rivet on a steel washer to the door and bond a neodymium magnet to the frame...

Nice idea but be careful where you mount the compass.

Quoted from 509 Fuel tank door latch

Jeff, thanks. This looks doable.

I have a spring loaded pin which is opened by a small pull cord. The cord just lies behind the instrument panel; it provides a positive fixing and no unsightly catch  

Quoted from Max SSDR I have a spring loaded pin which is opened by a small pull cord. The cord just lies behind the instrument panel; it provides a positive fixing and no unsightly catch  

A picture will surely help. I know many times it is not possible to post a picture as the plane is in a hangar many miles away. Thanks for chiming in.

Well, it's 13 miles away! I'll try and get a photo in the next few days.  

Quoted from Max SSDR Well, it's 13 miles away! I'll try and get a photo in the next few days.  

Thanks.

Quoted from Max SSDR I have a spring loaded pin which is opened by a small pull cord. The cord just lies behind the instrument panel; it provides a positive fixing and no unsightly catch  

I like his idea. Thx!

Zuse, or Cam Lock. 1/4 turn fasteners.