Pushrods Aluminum Tubing Pushrods

Aircraft quality, fully hard 6061T-6 aluminum tubing is desirable for light weight pushrods. This grade of tubing is very rigid, much like carbon fiber and only slightly heavier(only .4 oz/ ft). The aluminum is metallic, just like carbon fiber. The use of aluminum tubing for pushrods is commonly used and does not cause any unusual radio problems. The receiver antenna should not be placed near and parallel to, any type of metallic (carbon fiber or aluminum) pushrod or cable system.

Photo to be placed here. Heavy Duty 6061T-6 Aluminum tubing pushrods are available in 11 3/4", 23 3/4", and 35 3/4" Lengths.

The tubing offered is 3/16” in diameter with a .049” wall thickness. The inside hole gives an inside hole diameter of .0895”. This diameter is just right for tapping with a 4-40 tap. The extra wall thickness provides for a very rigid pushrod.

Place tubing in a vise. With a 4-40 tap, tap into tubing about 5/16" to 3/8" deep. Tap jig (# ATJ316) available to center tap accurately.

The threaded ends for this type of pushrod are easily fabricated. The process explained in the instructions assures a positive mechanical attachment for a 4-40 stud that clevises or Ball LInks will be attached.

Screw in a 4-40 x 3/4" socket head cap screw and tighten firmly. Then remove head of cap screw with a Dremel cut-off disc, file, or a grinder. Clean thread with a file.

If the pushrod rod is over 24” or so, (typically a long elevator pushrod) install a support at the middle point of the pushrod. This will keep the pushrod from flexing during very high G aerobatic maneuvers. A piece of 1/16” x 1” plywood placed across the width of the fuselage with a 5/16” bearing hole will work fine. No reason for a precision hole in the support.

Aluminum Tubing Pushrods
ITEM NO.	DESCRIPTION	QTY. PKG.	PRICE
AT286-12	3/16" Dia x 11 3/4"	2	$6.95
AT286-24	3/16" Dia x 23 3/4"	2	$10.95
AT286-36	3/16" Dia x 35 3/4"	2	$15.95
ATJ316	Tap fixture for accurate tapping hole in end of pushrod (tap not included)	1	$14.95

Revised 9/26/05

NELSON Aluminum Pushrods are available from

NELSON Hobby Direct or at hobby dealers.