Canopy Spring Latch

Introduction

Many folks have asked "where do you get the canopy latch you show in your canopies?". The answer is "many places" and then there are the modifications I do...

Here's One Source

Below are three of the type I use found on the HobbyKing website. You can find these latches on Amazon as well as many online RC stores. The title above each picture is searchable on the HK site.

Canopy Lock Latch (2pc)

Canopy Lock / Latch Spring Loaded (2pc)

Aluminum Canopy Lock / Latch Spring Loaded

Of these three, the first one, which is all plastic, is the most susceptible to breakage so I generally don't recommend it unless you modify it by getting rid of the plastic actuator.

All three can be found on this HobbyKing page - Spring Latches

You can also find these on many other RC store sites.

Mods

The modifiction I do to these is to replace the actuator arm with a shaft collar and socket head screw. This makes it much more durable and in some cases easier to install and adjust. Here is one that I modified-

With the shaft collar, you can adjust the length of the pin without having to cut the metal rod. The unit shown uses a 3/32" shaft collar and 4-40 socket head screw. You can also use a 2mm shaft collar and its corresponding set screw.

Can you Print this?

If you have a printer that can print at a .1mm resolution and a strong filament, yes! You'll have to find 2mm rod material for the pin and a shaft collar with set screw. The spring can be taken from a ball point pen.

Here is the STL if you want to try a printed version-

Spring Latch Base

See Also

• TBA

Comments? Questions?

email me!