Martin Wire

[murphy]

I'm currently recovering my wings and would like to know where I could purchase the wire used to hold the fabric to the ribs. Also is it legal to use rivets in place of the wire that would seem easier and a repair using rivets on three ribs was already done on the left wing. Thanks, Mike

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Martin Wire

martin wire will not fit correctly, taylorcraft used their own wire and the spacing is slightly different. You can use rib stitch or rivet method with a 337 form on stamped ribs.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Martin Wire

I'm not positive, but wasn't there a problem with rib stitching on the stamped ribs because the edge of the metal would cut the cords? I know there was a discussion some time ago (with lots of disagreement) but can't remember what the final answer was. I know for sure rib stitching is great on the pre-war built up ribs and that rivets work well, but are a real mess to remove the next time a recover is needed.
I don't remember for sure because I decided a long time ago to use the Taylorcraft wires on the 45 and rib stitching on the 41.
Hank

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Martin Wire

I'm not positive, but wasn't there a problem with rib stitching on the stamped ribs because the edge of the metal would cut the cords? I know there was a discussion some time ago (with lots of disagreement) but can't remember what the final answer was. I know for sure rib stitching is great on the pre-war built up ribs and that rivets work well, but are a real mess to remove the next time a recover is needed.
I don't remember for sure because I decided a long time ago to use the Taylorcraft wires on the 45 and rib stitching on the 41.
Hank

Edge is turned down, and we have never had a problem with cut stitches. I stitched a bunch of them, only used the wire when we had to due to a repair or a customer wanted reinstalled. I maintained one BC12-D for 10 years, never a problem

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Martin Wire

Nothing better than real world experience. What made my decision to use Taylorcraft wires was the concern of others, originality and looking at the edge of the metal rib. Mine didn't look like they were bent in tight enough that the edge of the metal wouldn't rub on the cords (mine are flared out just a little and the rib is wider at the metal edge than the top of the rib).
I really think rib stitching looks better than the wires, but the ones I DON'T like are the rivets and the screws. Drilling all those rivets would be a nightmare on the next fabric job and the screws look to me like they would cause the ribs to crack where the threads cut into the metal (nothing to back that up, but then, I chose to stay with the wires).
Hank

[Laz]

Re: Martin Wire

I have tried the Martin Wire. It works but not as good as the original T-craft wire. If you need some original T-craft wire send me a private message. I do have some Martin wire I will sell, but like I said it has to be " modified " to work properly.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Martin Wire

martin wire "will" work but it bows between each attach point and a huge pain to tape over

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Martin Wire

Nothing better than real world experience. What made my decision to use Taylorcraft wires was the concern of others, originality and looking at the edge of the metal rib. Mine didn't look like they were bent in tight enough that the edge of the metal wouldn't rub on the cords (mine are flared out just a little and the rib is wider at the metal edge than the top of the rib).
I really think rib stitching looks better than the wires, but the ones I DON'T like are the rivets and the screws. Drilling all those rivets would be a nightmare on the next fabric job and the screws look to me like they would cause the ribs to crack where the threads cut into the metal (nothing to back that up, but then, I chose to stay with the wires).
Hank

actually pop rivets are easy to remove with a proper size drill bit. Pop rivets are how the late model Decathalons are done. Extremely fast to reinstall, cuts labor by more than half

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Martin Wire

My only experience with pop rivets (unfortunately) was watching a guy spin them in the hole till I thought the aluminum would melt. How do you keep the rivet from spinning while you drill it out and how do you keep from damaging the sheet metal it is in?
As you can tell, I haven't actually tried this, just watched someone who must not have known the right way. Even if I don't ever use them I would really like to know how to do it right.
Hank

Once you learn a new skill, it is yours forever and no one can ever take it from you.

[RoN43220]

Re: Martin Wire

I tilt the drill bit at about a 45 degree angle and it seems to prevent the spin. With a light touch they drill out pretty nicely.

Ron

[Pearson]

Re: Martin Wire

I rib stitched both wings of a Tri-Pacer once. I have used the pop-rivets on an Aeronc Chief. The Chief took 1/4 the time the Tri-Pacer did. You have to get the right kind of pop rivets. There are some with a very large head.

[Ray36048]

Re: Martin Wire

They are called fabric rivets from Aircraft Spruce and others.

There is an old STC for Taylorcrafts to use either PK screws or rivets.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Martin Wire

A properly pulled rivet should not spin. As mentioned above, if you come at it at an angle, it will prevent it from spinning

[Pearson]

Re: Martin Wire

[/QUOTE]
There is an old STC for Taylorcrafts to use either PK screws or rivets.

You are referring to STC SA1-217. I had previously donated a copy of that STC to the Foundation, but for some reason I don't see it on their website.

Here is a copy of the original paperwork I had donated. The STC is actually for using PK screws. But there is also a letter from the FAA stating that they consider the use of pop rivets to be the same as the screws.

There is also a copy of a 337 for the pop rivets posted on the Foundation's website under Technical Resources.

[Ray36048]

Re: Martin Wire

Does anyone "own" this STC today? I think Capital Air Service is long gone.