Drag wire tensions

[Greasemonkey]

Can anyone give me a clear answer on wing drag wire tensions. I have my wing square and all my wires "strum" to about the same tone, but that just doesn't seem like anequate tension. Any help?

[VictorBravo]

Re: Drag wire tensions

My IA says that the most common mistake is for people to set them too tight. A low "C" note is right, according to him, not a high "twang"...

[paulp]

Re: Drag wire tensions

Howdy,

I beleive that the original service manual(pp 30) EXTERNAL BRACING:

"RIGGING WIRES SHOULD BE TAUT WITH LITTLE HAND DEFLECTION"

is what is called for. I beleive the POA says flying wires should have a low bass tone.

I think that the most important thing is that there is no vertical movement and no lateral movement of the horz stab.

[VictorBravo]

Re: Drag wire tensions

I think he's talking about the internal wing wires, not the tail wires...

[Greasemonkey]

Re: Drag wire tensions

VictorBravo, you are correct. It is the internal wing brace wires that I am talking about. I have heard a few different methods of tensioning, and I threw my question out there to get a response that agrees with at least one theory I've heard.

I am in the process of rebuilding my wings with new spars. I haven't yet dissassembled my other wing, so I can use it as a reminder for the one in progress. The wire tensions on that wing feel similar, but not knowing exactly when it was built, I am hesitant to tension it the same.

I know back in the 40's when these a/c were built they didn't use tensiometers either. So its nice just to get a general consensus on the subject.

[paulp]

Re: Drag wire tensions

Howdy Victor Bravo,

I knew that! I was just checking to make sure that you were paying attention.

I guess that this is what happens when you get old. I checked and couldn't find anything that related to the proper tension. The only thing that I know is that when trammeling the wings, the compression struts must be square and perpendicular to the spars as are the ribs.

I will bet that Robert Lee would know.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Drag wire tensions

Using the proper tool ( I will find the picture) . The tool has an arm of about 3/4 in. and you use it with your hands, it is designed so you cannot tighten them too much. Remember they work in opposition to each other, on the ground the wing trys to move back and down, in the air she trys to move forward and up.... ( drag & anti-drag system) The Tail wires are a low "G" when twanged on the top with a slight pressure downward on the stab ( as it is in flight). These are the demonstrations that we do at the fly ins or drop ins... OR fly me and feed me to your project... Any A&P from the old school should be aware of these proper tensions. FIND one for your project.

[high time cub]

Re: Drag wire tensions

http://www.joea.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=759

Last post is from ACA (American Champion Aircraft).

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Drag wire tensions

The only thing I see different is that the Taylorcraft cannot alternate the cross over point. ALL wires on the Taylorcraft wing have to overlap the same so that out at the tip when you apply washout ( lift rear spar) , the wires will separate where they cross remember they are not tied together only put the protective chafe tape wrap on the lower wire so they can move apart when you adjust the rear spar for wash-out..... and we all know that the Aeronca wires go through the spar to a heavier base of the comprssion strut whereas the Taylorcraft has to be done gently so the "foot" is not deformed by the end of wire nipple. The early "A" Model had a mandatory fix for this pull out with a clamp on "foot" for the compession srut. ALL wrecked aircraft should be inspected at the foot of the compression struts for any deformation.. where the nipple protrudes. recall that we do the Ohio Aeronca Fly-In here in Aug and Bill Pancake is their Clyde Smith....they both have a lot of knowledge of their breed aircraft..

[Robert Lees]

Re: Drag wire tensions

I used one of these spoke spanners.

[Richard Boyer]

Re: Drag wire tensions

HEY!! Now thats clever!!!

Sure wish I had seen this 6 months ago when we swapped out that leaking fuel tank!

Richard Boyer
N95791

[R. Winger]

Re: Drag wire tensions

I am also replacing spars in my Taylorcraft. Before I removed the tension wires I measured the the tension by using a push pull scale to apply a force and measure the deflection. The outboard wires ( wingtip ) with a 20 pound force applied in the middle deflected 1 inch. The inner wires which are the shorter ones deflected 1/2 inch.

A bit of a side note. I was looking at the old forward spar yesterday where the crack is and I found that it continues on past the root attach fitting hole. It carries on for another 5 inch's! Yikes! Sure glad it is being replaced.

Rog

[birdlegs]

Re: Drag wire tensions

Rob where could I purchase or borrow one of these tools?
Brad

[Robert Lees]

Re: Drag wire tensions

Cor! Old thread resurrection (it's nice to see folks using the search facility rather than create a new thread).

Those tools are available from bicycle shops (at least they are here in England). Cost about $2.

Rob

[birdlegs]

Re: Drag wire tensions

Cor! Old thread resurrection (it's nice to see folks using the search facility rather than create a new thread).

Those tools are available from bicycle shops (at least they are here in England). Cost about $2.

Rob

Rob thanks , I'll go looking for one,, was that $2.00 or 2.00 pounds?