Drag wires for a clipwing

[gmackay]

Anyone know where to get #8 drag wires for a clipwing? My Swick plans say to use #8 and cut the threads rather than use the original #6 with the rolled threads.

[Acroeric]

Re: Drag wires for a clipwing

Reliable Machine in Arizona did my last set and the tail brace wires as well. I seem to have misplaced their number- you may try Googling them. The fellows name was Chris????

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Drag wires for a clipwing

We have a lot of drag wires for the Model D here, e-mail me for specs ( will post when I check them). they ARE the larger wire of course & I think we have a lot of nipples, but those are simple to come up with.... Some wires do not have threads!

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Drag wires for a clipwing

If L-2 wires will work, I have quite a few. They are #10 though. I have had thoughts of using them in a clipwing for years. I would not trust anything without a rolled thread.

Mike

[Ron Greene]

Re: Drag wires for a clipwing

A little off topic.. for the L-2's the blueprints for the dragwires say "thread #10-32 Class 3 fit American N.F. Thread"

Obviously not rolled threads, how does an individual thread wires and get the class 3 fit. I understand class 3 is the aerospace standard close tolerance fit?

Ron Greene

[gmackay]

Re: Drag wires for a clipwing

If L-2 wires will work, I have quite a few. They are #10 though. I have had thoughts of using them in a clipwing for years. I would not trust anything without a rolled thread.

Mike

Thanks Mike. I'm not sure if that would work or not. Would you happen to know how long they are? I'm still considering a couple options, but I'll try to determine exactly what lengths I could use.

Ron, I know I couldn't do it....that's why I'd like to buy wires already made up. -Greg

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Drag wires for a clipwing

The "B" wing and the "D" wing use the same basic dimensions. The rolled thread vs. cut thread is a moot point if they are tested properly. Taylorcraft always used cut thread..... tail wires, drag wires, etc... You have to use a correct machine to cut them so they do not wallow around. The nipples are the factor that determines the strength of the system. WE have the nipples, cut wires and cert sheets here at the Foundation. The B tail wires are .162 MB hardwire , pull tested to 2900 lbs. each batch is tested.
Then we can get into course vs. fine thread. Threads, they act like a spiral staricase under tension and the coarse thread will "unwind" easier. If anybody needs a wire and two nipples to try out e-mail me [email protected]

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Drag wires for a clipwing

I thought surely they would have been rolled threads. If they are cut then that just makes them easier and cheaper to reproduce.

Mike

[gmackay]

Re: Drag wires for a clipwing

Just incase anyone else is looking for options for these wires, here's what I've found so far:
Taylorcraft Factory - Lengths - 42" and 64" - both $39.99 - not stainless steel (1025 or something), cut thread
Univair - 49.58" and 56.75" - about $25/ea - stainless steel, rolled thread
Steen Aerolab - can cut any length - priced $48/ea for 12 or $13/ea for 48 (example) - stainless steel, rolled thread (Brunton's wires)
E&R Manufacturing - can cut any length - about $13-15/ea - stainless steel, rolled thread (note this is for 0.125 with 6-40 thread)

I'm thinking about using wires from E&R with the same 6-40 thread and that way can use the same nipples, hoping that stainless steel is stronger than the original. E&R also makes wires for WagAero and American Champion.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Drag wires for a clipwing

Be careful about what alloy stainless they are using. Many stainless alloys are softer then steel.

Mike

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Drag wires for a clipwing

ss stronger? I think not!

[gmackay]

Re: Drag wires for a clipwing

Great, thanks for the info.....that's why I put up the post here.

The Swick plans call for stainless steel, and the Brunton wires are 316 stainless. That's what E&R are using, but they can use the non-SS also (I forget what number), that is what they use for WagAero.

So what's the best thing to use for drag wires?

[gmackay]

Re: Drag wires for a clipwing

So does anyone know what type of steel the original drag were made of?

[jgerard]

Re: Drag wires for a clipwing

Burls aircraft in AK has some PMA'ed tail wires.

http://vb.taylorcraft.org/showthread.php?t=1735&highlight=burls+aircraft

Jason
N43643

[gmackay]

Re: Drag wires for a clipwing

Thanks Jason. Good luck on your fuselage. I wish I had your skills.