In search of original wing wire clips (update Jan 2026 see page 7 and later)

[3Dreaming]

I am still studying for a way to neatly shrink the Martin wire so the barbs are 3" spacing.

[Jim Herpst]

The Martin wire comes in 25 foot sections, then you cut to the length you need. I'm not sure how the Taylorcraft wire was supplied, but I believe it was also in a roll and cut to length.

That would make perfect sense on how to mfg and sell it.

[Robert Lees]

The Martin wire has the wrong bends and the wrong spacing. In my humble opinion, the Martin wire does not satisfy the original design spec.

martin_wire.jpg

[DonJohnson]

aircraft spruce shows they have martin clips 3 in on center

[DonJohnson]

robert lees diagram shows they are different ??

[Jim Herpst]

robert lees diagram shows they are different ??

Yes look at the picture above. It will not work. This has been discussed many times. Folks have tried using it and without doing z bends in the wire between the barbs it will stick up on the long straight runs between barbs and look like hell not to mention making the air foil dirty

[3Dreaming]

aircraft spruce shows they have martin clips 3 in on center

I just bought a section from Aircraft Spruce, and they are 3 1/8" centers.

[Jim Herpst]

I just bought a section from Aircraft Spruce, and they are 3 1/8" centers.

Yup. Too long between the barbs 12th

[TCUDustoff]

I called ACS and left a message for the guy who works these kind of requests -- I'll let you know when I hear something.

[3Dreaming]

I bought a section of wire to experiment with. This is my attempt first with a pair of homemade fluting pliers I have. The pliers are made with 1/16" bumps. I don't think the results were terrible, but I am going to make a set of pliers with smaller flutes and put more in between the barbs. Ideally very small zig zags for the whole length would be the best
Wire.jpg

[TCUDustoff]

I've gotten in touch with ACS and have the information for the vendor who supplies the Martin Wire. I don't want them to get inundated with calls, so I won't share the name yet, but I've spoken to them and the owner is going to call me back in the next few days when he gets some time.

Assuming they are willing to help, does anybody have a section they would be willing to send them to work from? If so, please let me know!

[Jim Herpst]

I've gotten in touch with ACS and have the information for the vendor who supplies the Martin Wire. I don't want them to get inundated with calls, so I won't share the name yet, but I've spoken to them and the owner is going to call me back in the next few days when he gets some time.

Assuming they are willing to help, does anybody have a section they would be willing to send them to work from? If so, please let me know!

I have one in a tube ready to go.

[Mark Bowden]

Chris,
In addition to the 2D pdf drawiings I posted earlier I also have generic and ProE drawing files as well if they can use them.

Mark

[TCUDustoff]

Thanks Mark and Jim -- I'll share when I know more. This company also fabricates parts for warbirds, so I am going to ask if they would make steel aileron brackets for us too! This is in regards to an on-going post on the Forum -- I know somebody with an almost full set of Model A blueprints, and he is looking to see if he has the aileron brackets!

[Jim Herpst]

Super! I could use a set of those brackets for my sons BC12D