Nylon verses steel wing bolts

[Stuart Atwill]

HI, is there a problem using nylon wing bolts on large petrol aircraft. I have recently bought a Vailly Tempest plan that states to use steel, not nylon wing bolts. Why is this?
Thanks in advance.

[Tony Collins 1073]

Stuart. If you are really thinking of building a performance aircraft as large and as heavy as this, you shouldn't even need to ask.

[Stuart Atwill]

In my many years of experience (about 50 when wings were held on with rubber bands) I have had a few steel bolts vibrate loose, not so with nylon, and in the unfortunate case of an accident, the nylon bolts and mountings have pulled through the wing rather than shear. I have used nylon on my 1/5 scale warbirds for years, no problem. Perhaps others use bolts that are too small?
I'm interested in more opinions.

[sean smith]

I use M5 or M6 steel wing bolts with spring washers on my large models , never had one come loose yet.

[stuart knowles 1611]

I have used 6mm nylon bolts (x2) on a 100" 75cc model. I did have some concerns but tried a but od 'destruction testing' off the model. They are pretty strong!