Leadout Question

[Phil Coopy]

Back in the 60's when I flew CL a lot more,  several of us used to use solid music wire for leadouts with a z bend into the bellcrank. They  functioned well and always passed pull test.   Why is it that nobody does that anymore?

Phil

[Tom Perry]

Phil,

I think the solids work great,  the problem is getting a bend in one right close to the eyelet.  Impossible to fix.   

[Ward Van Duzer]

Yup, I like the solids too. Just don't underdo the size!

Here is how I do the ends. This bend will work on either bellcrank, or line clip end. Just make the bellcrank end a little wider, BUT ROUND BENDS!

Note the copper sleeves, and the little turn upat the wire end to preven the copper from slipping off. Also the red paint on the down line!

Be aware that some folks don't use them because some solids have broken. Oooooops...

[Busby]

They also vibrate like crazy when flying.
Its bad enough when your flying something as ugly as a TEOSASWKI that it sounds ratty as well.
Busby

[Steve Helmick]

I had a Humongus in my truck when the  automatic transmission quit with no warning. I rented a car (Cavalier, the only thing I could get locally on short notice). The H'gus just barely fitted in the back seat, because it had cable leadouts and I could poke them back into the wing. With solids, it wouldn't have fit, and I would have not been able to go flying after work, which would have further spoiled an already miserable day.  Steve

[Louis Rankin]

Yes, I love the solid leadouts; however, they were always getting caught on something or poking holes in other models.  I now use wire leadouts on everything.