Question about bead tensioners

[Bunduki Vlieger]

Can anyone tell me how bead tensioners (-> https://www.flymarketkites.com/line-tensioners/bead-tensioner) are used? 

Mine has come loose and I don't quite understand how they are re-tensioned.

[Caller Stephen]

Hi there,

The long line that you wish to tension should enter the central hole of the bead, pass out and back into the two holes on the side of the bead and leave throuch the other end of the central bead. You might need a loop of fine thread/floss to act as a pull through to route the bridle line through the side holes. Once threaded through is the bead has a third side hole then create a loop and thread the end of the line back into the same end of the central hole and out through the third side hole securing the end with a figure of eight knot. If there are only two side holes then either back up the central hole and then knot it or if there is enough room out thorough on of the side holes and knot it.

 

The long line that you wish to adjust has the added friction of passing through four right angles going from the central hole, through the side, along the side and finally back though the side and into the central hole. When under tension this creates a lot of friction and will maintain the tension. When not under tension the bead can move and the size of the spare loop adjusted. The bead acts a little like a Prussik knot, slips when not under tension but holds under tension.

 

Much harder to describe with words than a diagram would be.

 

 

A different technique for using beads for tension is http://www.fighterkitecentral.com/pdfs/manny's 1 bead spine tensioner.pdf

 

Hope this helps.

 

Cheers

Stephen

[Bunduki Vlieger]

@Caller Stephen Perfect! Thx for this easy to understand explanation :-)

[Michael Marmaras]

A locking slip not will do the same thing if the bead tends to slip.