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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Larrys4227 on September 13, 2008, 06:10:37 PM

Title: Leadouts, eyelets and lines
Post by: Larrys4227 on September 13, 2008, 06:10:37 PM

This may be the wrong place for this question, but here goes....

I see lots of leadout kits w/eyelets, and bulk lines w/hardware on all our different supplier sites. I've also got some leadouts and belcrank attachments to do on my planes, and a handle that needs the leadouts replaced. I cant seem to find the crimping tool to accomplish these tasks.  Am I missing something?  I've been afraid to ask, but scratching my head is causing a bald spot .... LOL

Thanks ahead of time!  Larry (Larrys4227)

Title: Re: Leadouts, eyelets and lines
Post by: Ralph Wenzel (d) on September 13, 2008, 07:14:46 PM

I got mine from www.savacable.com  Click on the "Tools and Cutters" entry. They also sell the swaging sleeves in packs of 100, for various size lines. The tool that does lines from .012 - .021 dia. is the T-185, which costs around $100.  Swaging tool for .008 lines is different, and I don't remember the part#.

Title: Re: Leadouts, eyelets and lines
Post by: Howard Rush on September 13, 2008, 07:19:42 PM

A crimping tool isn't essential.  Just wrap the cable end with copper wire.  See the AMA rulebook for how do do this with lines.  If you use heavy cable for the handle, making the sharp bend in the cable for the extra layer may be difficult, but you can probably omit the extra layer.  Just give the end a hefty pull test.  If it passes (it will), you are in business.

Title: Re: Leadouts, eyelets and lines
Post by: Scott B. Riese on September 13, 2008, 09:44:29 PM

Harbor Fright carries a crimper for $8

Title: Re: Leadouts, eyelets and lines
Post by: Garf on September 13, 2008, 09:50:54 PM

I have used several different common tools for crimping. Round nose pliers work well. last couple of sets were done with the small vice grips. Just don't crimp the ends of the ferrules. I now use fishing leader sleeves for lines.

Title: Re: Leadouts, eyelets and lines
Post by: ray copeland on September 13, 2008, 10:38:03 PM

I am trying to make some handles to fit my hands, can't find wire somewhere close to .045 in diameter for the handle leadouts. Anyone have a source?  Thanks, Ray

Title: Re: Leadouts, eyelets and lines
Post by: Andrew Hathaway on September 13, 2008, 11:02:53 PM

For years I used a Craftsman wire crimper to crimp leadouts and lines.  It's not a really fancy tool, just one of those universal stripping/crimping tools for solderless connectors.  I never had a set of lines with crimped ends fail.  In fact a few of those planes built that way in the late 80's are still flying with the original crimped leadouts.  As a rule I prefer to wrap my lines and leadouts now.  The ends still need to be inspected often for fraying. 

For handles I prefer hard points, but the few cable handles I've rethreaded used 1/16 braided cable from the hardware store.  The ends were finished with aluminum ferrels and a crimping tool that looks like a modified bolt cutter. 

Title: Re: Leadouts, eyelets and lines
Post by: Bill Heher on September 13, 2008, 11:04:18 PM

Saltwater fishing supplies at Bass Pro / Cabellas / Wal Mart etc. The have small spools of various size multi-strand stainless steel leader wire- some of it is nylon coated. Of course if you live inland you will probably have to mail order.

Title: Re: Leadouts, eyelets and lines
Post by: Larrys4227 on September 14, 2008, 10:00:32 AM

I forgot about the line wrapping article .... I have it on my pc somewhere. Will have to get some supplies and start making some test connections, and see what I like. Fishing leader is cheap enough .... good place to start, me thinks!!

FlySafe!  Larry (Larrys4227)

Title: Re: Leadouts, eyelets and lines
Post by: Jim Thomerson on September 14, 2008, 12:55:09 PM

I wrap line terminations, but I usually crimp leadouts.  I have more faith in my wrap on the lines, and the crimp looks better on the larger leader cable.  I do crimps with round nose pliers and have never had one fail.