7 replies to this topic

[Guru4tru]

I lost 3 of those leading edge vertical rod holding washers in the last few weeks. I suppose there is a limit to how many times one can smack that section on the ground before the washer goes!

The price for a little washer isn't beyond my means by any means, but it's a matter of principal. Why should I buy one online when I can buy a dozen at Lowe's for the same price and there is no shipping cost. So I went to Lowe's and bought some of different sizes, but when I tried them out I couldn't find a single one that fit properly.

So, I've decided to go with simple plastic wire ties. I haven't flown with them yet, but they look like they should work great and will probably last longer then the rubber washers...and they are easier to put on.

http://www.emisupply...paign=CableTies

And they come in different colors too: http://www.nelcoprod...gories.asp?id=1 heehee!
Keep It Up!
Duane

[stroke survivor]

Duane - do you mean the washer on the end caps that holds or locates the SLE rod?? Unless you're using the SLE, just remove it!!! I use only my 1/4" rods and don't need them!!!

[Guru4tru]

stroke victim, on 23 March 2011 - 05:16 PM, said:

Duane - do you mean the washer on the end caps that holds or locates the SLE rod?? Unless you're using the SLE, just remove it!!! I use only my 1/4" rods and don't need them!!!

The washers that go under the 2 knots on the elastic cord that goes through the connector and the LE sheath that holds the upper part of the vertical rods in place.

I remove the washer (well, it broke) and loop the tie and slip it over the 2 knots and draw it snug. I insure that the elastic cord is loose enough to permit the LE rods to move or be remover easily. Then I clip the extra off the tie and carefully take a razor and smooth that edge so there are no sharp edges. (I know...a razor around a kite thrown fear into me...but it's pretty simple.)

Keep It Up!
Duane

[stroke survivor]

Another trick is to tie the bungee into a loop, and do away with the washer altogether!! You see this arrangement on SULs !!! Saves a little weight!! Go through the sail like normal, then instead of having 2 separate knots w/ washers, tie them together and make it a loop!!! You lose the washers and still have a strong connection!! My SUL has that on the end caps, and it's caused no problems so far!! And I use that kite a lot!!! BTW - What are you doing to those "poor" washers??? I don't think I've ever broken one in 14-15 years of flying Revs!!!

[Guru4tru]

stroke victim, on 23 March 2011 - 06:03 PM, said:

Another trick is to tie the bungee into a loop, and do away with the washer altogether!! You see this arrangement on SULs !!! Saves a little weight!! Go through the sail like normal, then instead of having 2 separate knots w/ washers, tie them together and make it a loop!!! You lose the washers and still have a strong connection!! My SUL has that on the end caps, and it's caused no problems so far!! And I use that kite a lot!!! BTW - What are you doing to those "poor" washers??? I don't think I've ever broken one in 14-15 years of flying Revs!!!

Just tying the cord together sounds like a better idea then mine, if the end placement of the connector remains the same. I'll have to check that out next time a washer goes, but here's a picture anyway:

[attachment=1935:tie 1.JPG]

That connector stands slightly above the Leading Edge so when I smack it against the ground the washer takes a rap. I know...stop smashing it against the ground! heehee! I will add that the problem of "blowing a washer" seems to be mostly with Elvira!! heehee!!

Keep It Up!
Duane

[stroke survivor]

From what I see on your picture, it should be a pretty simple fix to tie it as a loop!! ( Yes, stop smashing it into the ground!!!)

[Guru4tru]

stroke victim, on 23 March 2011 - 06:26 PM, said:

From what I see on your picture, it should be a pretty simple fix to tie it as a loop!! ( Yes, stop smashing it into the ground!!!)

Being a "Lone Flyer", when anyone takes an interest in the Rev. I usually spend the next few hours teaching them how to fly it (especially if they are in bikinis...heehee!). This happens about 2 or 3 times a week, which usually amount to my giving some instructions and then going out to the kite end and picking it up after they crash it. So there is a lot of "smashing the ground" with my kites, but it's a lot of fun too! heehee! Surprisingly there has never been a broken rod yet, and that's since I started and was doing the smashing myself! (Did you hear that...I just knocked on wood! heehee!)

I figure since there are no Rev. flyers coming to my field...I'll have to make them Rev. flyers! heehee!

Keep It Up!
Duane

[stroke survivor]

That's the spirit - create your own!!! (Sorry, I can't hear you!!! )