O-Ring Slicer for Indoor Free Flight Rubber Models

This tool is used to slice O-rings from nylon tubing for indoor free flight rubber powered models. Three slicers are presented. These slicers cut very uniform thickness O-rings for repeatable results.

The small slicer is used to cut Dubro 511 tubing, 0.0134" OD, into 1mm lengths for classes such as F1D.

The small thick slicer cuts the same tubing to 1.5mm thick, which may be preferable for classes with heavier rubber such as LPP.

The large slicer cuts Dubro 700 tubing, 0.187" OD to 1.5mm thickness. This is for classes with rubber larger than 3/32" width, such as Science Olympiad.

I have added (2/23/26) a universal slicer for both tubing sizes. The larger tubing is now sliced to about 1.5mm thick, which makes it stronger for Science Olympiad Helicopter rubber (over 1/8" wide rubber)

To use, insert the tubing in as far as it will go. Use a SHARP single-edge razor blade in the slot and push down cleanly. After lifting out the blade, back the tubing slightly out and the cut part should drop out the bottom. You can use a small scrap of wire to push it out if static electricity holds it in.

Update 1/16/24 10:30am EST: Changed out large cutter. Depth of slot would not allow full cut too tall for razor. Reduced height 1.5mm and reposted

I also added a "Finger Saver". Insert the backbone part of the blade into this to give your thumbs a break. Two versions are presented, with the Large version having a slightly larger slot for the blade. Some people could not fit their brand of blades into the original. If your blade is loose, wrap a layer of blue tape on the blade backbone.

I added a "side loading finger saver" that may be a better fit to some blades.

I also added a clamp for the universal slicer. This clamp is pressed down from the top to hold the tube still while slicing, ensuring accurate cuts.