Danger, Will Robinson!

[steven yampolsky]

I've noticed that some folk use two clips in a row when hooking up lines. Typically to setup a better neutral when using the same set of lines between models or when one line made shorter than the other by accident. Warning: this is illegal in competition. Here's the quote from '14 rulebook: "No more than two (2) connectors may be used per line"

You've been warned...

[Tim Wescott]

If you have one of those Derek Moran-style clip benders you can make some awfully long clips that still pull just fine.  I've got one plane that needs a 1" clip and a 2" clip.

[steven yampolsky]

If you have one of those Derek Moran-style clip benders you can make some awfully long clips that still pull just fine.  I've got one plane that needs a 1" clip and a 2" clip.

that's not legal for competition though.

[Mike Anderson]

I think he means that one line uses a 1" clip, the other a 2" clip.  That would be perfectly legal.

[Tim Wescott]

I think he means that one line uses a 1" clip, the other a 2" clip.  That would be perfectly legal.

Yes, that's what I meant.  I've gotten raised eyebrows from that 2" clip.  It does look kinda scary -- which is why I pull tested it before I put it into service.

[steven yampolsky]

Yes, that's what I meant.  I've gotten raised eyebrows from that 2" clip.  It does look kinda scary -- which is why I pull tested it before I put it into service.

I've made a set using Derek's setup and kept it in my flight box. Over a season or two, while helping others I've given away most of the set. I think I have just two shortest ones left.

Having had recently discovered a wonderful world of buying bulk line cheap, I have been making line sets specific to each model with a dedicated handle so there hasn't been a need adjust lines with clips. No need for various clip lengths.

[Tim Wescott]

I've made a set using Derek's setup and kept it in my flight box. Over a season or two, while helping others I've given away most of the set. I think I have just two shortest ones left.

Having had recently discovered a wonderful world of buying bulk line cheap, I have been making line sets specific to each model with a dedicated handle so there hasn't been a need adjust lines with clips. No need for various clip lengths.

I make my lines as close to equal length as I can, then trim the plane with line clips.  I don't think I could, or would want to, make a set of lines with just the right amount of mismatch to then use equal-length clips.

[Sean McEntee]

I make my lines as close to equal length as I can, then trim the plane with line clips.  I don't think I could, or would want to, make a set of lines with just the right amount of mismatch to then use equal-length clips.

Best thing is to ensure everything is neutral and even when building the model in the first place. I have violated the "sacred cow" of having a set of lines for every model. The week of VSC in 2012 I borrowed the lines and handle off my ringmaster for my brand new Frisky Pete. It was coming down to the wire (no pun intended) and didn't have time to make another set. I knew at least the length was right, but ended up not touching a thing- neutral and line spacing were all the same. I'm still an advocate of lines/ handle for each airplane, but attention to detail when building the model will make wrapping lines, adjusting handles, ect. MUCH easier.

[Tim Wescott]

Best thing is to ensure everything is neutral and even when building the model in the first place.

True, but when you get down to fine-tuning you're moving things in increments of 1/16" or 1/32", and you're just not going to get that close in construction.

And besides -- I manage to make perfectly matched pairs of lines about four times out of five.  The fifth time, I don't want to throw the set away and start over.

[steven yampolsky]

Best thing is to ensure everything is neutral and even when building the model in the first place.

I'm with Sean on this one. Besides, I can always adjust up to 1/2" each way at the handle without getting into too much overhang situation.

[john e. holliday]

I agree with getting the leadouts as equal as you can when building the plane.  But, sometimes an adjustment has to be made at the flap horn or elevator horn after the first initials flights on a plane.  With hard point handles that is were the line clips of different lengths come in to effect.   Other wise adjustable handles will do the job.