Wing Rib Nails

[Ray36048]

Where can I buy the nails for attaching the wing ribs to the spar? I believe the nails from Aircraft Spruce are too small in diameter.

Ray

[lawheelock]

Re: Wing Rib Nails

Have you checked with Univair or Wicks? I have bought nails from Univair in past to use on Aeronca ribs nailed to spars as a part of the AD on Aeroncas.
Larry Wheelock

[Ray36048]

Re: Wing Rib Nails

I do believe the nails for a Champ are too big in diameter.

[Ernest Golper]

Re: Wing Rib Nails

Hi Ray,
If you have a wicks catalog for 2004/2005 I think you will find nails that should work just fine on pg. 220. Or use your computer and go to www.wicksaircraft.com and you should be able to find them also. Hope this helps and good luck on your project.

[Ray36048]

Re: Wing Rib Nails

Both Wicks and Aircraft Spruce sell nails. Spruce has various lengths in 20 gage (0.030 ) diameter. Wicks has some 18 gage (0.042) diameter nails that are 1 1/2 long. All of Wicks shorter nails are 20 gage.

I think I saw a Taylorcraft drawing that calls for 18 ga.

I did find nails at Univair that are 18 gage x 3/4 long. These are for older J-3's with wood spars. The nails I have removed are near the 0.042 diameter, certainly larger than 0.030. Based on the history of the Piper J-3, I would think these are the same as the Taylorcraft nails.

I think the 18 ga 3/4 would work for the front spar, but the rear spar is thinner. Maybe, I could just cut them off to a shorter length.

I hope I am not making a science project out of this, but I am interested in hearing what others have done.

[crispy critter]

Re: Wing Rib Nails

If availible buy the epoxy coated nails.....not a must but is a good idea.

[mulwyk]

Re: Wing Rib Nails

Well, I used the nails from Spruce. They seem to work fine, in fact, they're a real pain in the a** to get back out if you nail a rib on the wrong place. Don't ask me how I know.

Bob Gustafson

[Bobdog]

Re: Wing Rib Nails

Bob, You said you used the AC Spruce nails...what length, and did you make new holes in the rib flanges or use the old one's?

[mulwyk]

Re: Wing Rib Nails

I used the same holes in the ribs. The nails were 3/4 in the front spar and 1/2 (I think) in the aft spar. The 3/4 nails seem more prone to bending when hammered, because of the additional length I suppose. More rib installlation info at:project


I sure enjoy my T-craft project...most days anyway. I'd be interested to know: Are you replacing the wing spars? Where did you get them? From Aircraft Spruce?

Bob Gustafson

[VictorBravo]

Re: Wing Rib Nails

If any of you guys are replacing spars or disassembling your wings, be sure to put in the larger 11/16" bushings and the welded strut fittings. Bob Harer (owner of the 85 HP upgrade STC) told me that there was a good reason for the big bushings, that they actually did have some cracks and failures with the original small bushings.

He told me that Jack Gilberti said the original size bushings were a mistake for them to have continued over from the light pre-war airplanes. I am assuming that Harer was telling me the truth, however it is third hand info.

Putting in the big bushings and welding the plate across the strut fittings will strengthen the wing, and allow you to upgrade to 85 HP very easily later on. For what it's worth, if you do upgrade to 85 HP, from my personal experiences recently IMHO I recommend that you go through the 337/field approval process rather than the existing STC.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Wing Rib Nails

The original factory drawing for the stamped ribs shows the same nail as before ( #19 both 3/4 & 1/2 lengths used.... 222 of the long ones and 88 of the short?? might not be right...
Of course we , here at Barber Airport, always used the #18 ( cement coated) ... The suppliers now have a lot of "steel , copper coated , cement coated #20 ) I see a lot of them used. I will try to find the drawings for the F-19 and check them. I will call Harry too! I would not use the large #16 or even 14 that American Champ uses , they are a bit much. Remember Champ only nails on one side , Taylorcraft nails on both sides.... No loose rib nails for me

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Wing Rib Nails

I supposed to be going to Pittsburgh this month. When there I will speak with my friend who by the way is supposed to give me some engineering work/drawings his friend did on Taylorcrafts for helping this friend move. The friends name who did the engineering drawings you may ask? None other than the VERY MUCH ALIVE Jack Gilberrti !!! !!
Cheers

[Bobdog]

Re: Wing Rib Nails

Forrest....Where do you get the 18 ga. nails? or do you have your own stash?...and are you willing to share????

[Bobdog]

Re: Wing Rib Nails

OK GUYS...I went out and counted the number of nails it takes to mount the ribs on the spars (including the nose ribs)

432 nails 3/4" long (front spar)
156 nails 1/2" long (rear spar)
148 nails 3/8" long (aileron ribs and nose ribs)

I didn't count any of the nails for blocking or leading edge attachment on the ailerons)

I have searched the internet all day and can't find any 18 gauge a/c nails except for Univair, and they want .44 cents each for them. My local hardware store carries a beautiful selection of 18 ga. nails in 1/2 5/8 3/4 inch lenghts, but they are not plated or coated with glue.

I tried the fit of a 20 ga nail in one of my "overhauled" ribs, inwhich I've flattened the nail holes back down, and the nails are loose. So it looks like it would be best to install the nails in a new location.
Any body else got any other ideas/comments?

[gmackay]

Re: Wing Rib Nails

I would also like to hear more on this topic, since I'll soon be in the market. My nails are .042" by 5/8" in the front spar and 1/2" long in the rear spar. Although I have no idea what they originally came with.