Simple method for adding O-Ring to Clark Cable Tie Launchers

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Simple method for adding O-Ring to Clark Cable Tie Launchers

Post by U.S. Water Rockets »

We've noticed recently that many people have been frustrated trying to get a good seal with bottles on a Cable Tie launcher. This method for adding an O-Ring seal to the launcher is simple and the results are spectacular.

The following is a step-by-step "how to build" type illustrated guide showing how to add an O-Ring to a Clark Cable Tie Launcher. You can even do this to an existing launcher to make it more effective. The full write-up detailing how to construct the entire launcher from scratch will be posted shortly.

Caution: This type of launcher is made from PVC plastic pipe and is therefore not recommended for use with high pressures. PVC is known to shatter under gas pressure and can create shrapnel which can cause bodily harm and property damage. The pipe in this sample is rated for 600PSI but this rating is for water pressure only, not air pressure. The manufacturer cautions not to exceed 100PSI with compressed air. Consult your pipe manufacturer for their recommendations.
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Step 1: Mark and cut the 1/2" Pipe used for the launch tube where the neck of the bottle rests.
Step 1: Mark and cut the 1/2" Pipe used for the launch tube where the neck of the bottle rests.
Step 2: Cut a piece of 3/8" pipe approximately 2.5" tp 3" in length. The length is not critical.
Step 2: Cut a piece of 3/8" pipe approximately 2.5" tp 3" in length. The length is not critical.
Step 3: Apply cement and slide the 3/8" pipe inside the 1/2" pipe. Press or tap it in until it is halfway inserted. It will fit snugly in place.
Step 3: Apply cement and slide the 3/8" pipe inside the 1/2" pipe. Press or tap it in until it is halfway inserted. It will fit snugly in place.
Step 4: Pick out an O-Ring that is roughly 1/8" thick and has a 1/2" hole in the center, and slide it over the 3/8" pipe. This assortment from Home Depot has several suitable candidates.
Step 4: Pick out an O-Ring that is roughly 1/8" thick and has a 1/2" hole in the center, and slide it over the 3/8" pipe. This assortment from Home Depot has several suitable candidates.
Step 5: Slide the other section of 1/2" pipe over the 3/8" pipe and glue it in place resting against the O-Ring.
Step 5: Slide the other section of 1/2" pipe over the 3/8" pipe and glue it in place resting against the O-Ring.
Step 6: The finished Product. Note that the O-Ring protrudes slightly past the surface of the pipe, making a great seal on the bottle.
Step 6: The finished Product. Note that the O-Ring protrudes slightly past the surface of the pipe, making a great seal on the bottle.
Qwerty
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Re: Simple method for adding O-Ring to Clark Cable Tie Launc

Post by Qwerty »

Well done! Way easuer than trying to cut a groove.
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Mark Chen
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Re: Simple method for adding O-Ring to Clark Cable Tie Launc

Post by Mark Chen »

I think the O-ring you need is a common part. They call it a #22 or something like that. You don't need to get an assortment because Lowes has a big drawer cabinet with all different sizes arranged and sold individually. Just get a few from them and keep them in your toolbox. The sun seems to dry them out and they crack after a while. You want to have a replacment handy.
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Re: Simple method for adding O-Ring to Clark Cable Tie Launc

Post by Andromeda »

This is very clever. I formerly did use a drill to make a lathe and with a small file cut a trench for the oring to sit. This takes great time and skill to do well. I can see your method is easier for more people to do. I anticipate eagerly the complete water rocket launcher plans you are working on!
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Re: Simple method for adding O-Ring to Clark Cable Tie Launc

Post by xenon »

What a great way to put an o-ring on a launch tube. I never thought it would be so easy to build a water rocket launcher using only hand tools. Great job. I have a question though. How soon until we can see the rest. I have troubles keeping my ties from slipping. The ties slide up the pipe and the o-ring comes out of the bottle neck and then it leaks.
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Re: Simple method for adding O-Ring to Clark Cable Tie Launc

Post by U.S. Water Rockets »

Thanks for the feedback, you guys. Judging from the reaction it looks like there's a need out there for detailed tutorials on how to easily build Water Rockets and the various systems needed to safely launch them. This is definitely something we will consider doing in the future since apparently nobody else seems to be writing useful instructions anymore.

Keep looking here for more updates.
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Re: Simple method for adding O-Ring to Clark Cable Tie Launc

Post by Batkiter »

The next generation of Cable-Tie-Launcher whit chrushing sleeve relaese is finished and ready for launching.

Material: POM, Aluminium, Siliconhose
Raketen 681.jpg
Raketen 676.jpg
Greetings Batkiter (The New Member)
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Re: Simple method for adding O-Ring to Clark Cable Tie Launc

Post by Spaceman Spiff »

Hi Batkiter. I remember you from the MSN Group. Welcome!

I think I understand that your stage release works like a crushing sleeve that releases the collar than pulls the cable tie release. But I can't see why this would be an advantage over a regular crushing sleeve that simply lets the upper stage release when the sleeve expands. Can you explain more?
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Tim Chen
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Re: Simple method for adding O-Ring to Clark Cable Tie Launc

Post by Tim Chen »

Are those plastic pieces just PVC pipe couplers? How do you get them on the bottles like that? Do you glue them in place?
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Re: Simple method for adding O-Ring to Clark Cable Tie Launc

Post by Batkiter »

Spaceman Spiff wrote:Hi Batkiter. I remember you from the MSN Group. Welcome!

I think I understand that your stage release works like a crushing sleeve that releases the collar than pulls the cable tie release. But I can't see why this would be an advantage over a regular crushing sleeve that simply lets the upper stage release when the sleeve expands. Can you explain more?

Hi spaceman!

Thanks for welcome!

This part is a development for 2stage rocs. The nozzle from the second stage is fixed with cable tie strings. After burnout stage 1
the sleeve expands and release the cable tie stage 2.

The real cable tie launcher , made by Batkiter, is upload in the forum.

Regrds Batkiter
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Re: Simple method for adding O-Ring to Clark Cable Tie Launc

Post by Batkiter »

Tim Chen wrote:Are those plastic pieces just PVC pipe couplers? How do you get them on the bottles like that? Do you glue them in place?

Hi Tim!

The material is not PVC, it`s POM! I used no glue. The connection on the bottle: inside-Thread ! 28mm PPO thread

Regards Batkiter
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Re: Simple method for adding O-Ring to Clark Cable Tie Launc

Post by Spaceman Spiff »

Batkiter wrote: This part is a development for 2stage rocs. The nozzle from the second stage is fixed with cable tie strings. After burnout stage 1
the sleeve expands and release the cable tie stage 2.
I can see the way this would work when I look at your photos. Your design looks very well executed. But I still don't really understand why you need to combine a crushing sleeve with a cable tie. Can't you just use the crushing sleeve to hold the second stage like it always does? I think I am missing something.
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Tim Chen
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Re: Simple method for adding O-Ring to Clark Cable Tie Launc

Post by Tim Chen »

Batkiter wrote: The material is not PVC, it`s POM! I used no glue. The connection on the bottle: inside-Thread ! 28mm PPO thread
Aaaaah! I see now! I thought those were pipe couplers! I didn't realize you made the whole parts yourself. I'm very impressed!
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Re: Simple method for adding O-Ring to Clark Cable Tie Launc

Post by Team Seneca »

Whatever happened to the tutorial on building launchers? Did you guys drop the discussion?
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Re: Simple method for adding O-Ring to Clark Cable Tie Launc

Post by U.S. Water Rockets1 »

Team Seneca wrote:Whatever happened to the tutorial on building launchers? Did you guys drop the discussion?
Nope. It's still under development. The warm weather has arrived and we're busy taking advantage of the nice weather for launching. We don't have the time to create new web page content for a while. Things will change in a few months.

At least we know someone is interested. Great!
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