Sky Shark rods in Toronto

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[xuzme720]

I thought 2PT's were .244 also. Or did you mean 2P's (they are discontinued, so maybe it doesn't matter...)

[jeepersjoey]

It is starting to make sense.

My lower spreader are two of the same pieces of 3PT connected head-to-head.  The left one (in this example) has a solid rod installed in it so that the right one will connect to it.  So, if I wanted to replace both lower spreaders I would buy two 3PT and a solid rod.

The upper leading edge and the lower leading edge are the same 2PT but there is a ferrel installed in the ULE that allows the LLE to connect to it.

Is this sounding correct?

What was throwing me for a loop was that I did not realize that a solid rod was installed in the 3PT.  I thought it was part of the spar.

[mikenchico]

Yep, the solid rod you're referring to is called a Ferrule, you'll use the 2.5" for the leading edges and the 4.0" for the spreaders. The longer length used on the spreaders is to allow for the width of the Center T, when replacing the spreaders you won't center the ferrule in the spreader like you would on the leading edge, you need to factor in the width of the center T so the insert point will be 2" - (1/2 the center T width).

Hints: Wrap some masking tape around the ferrule at that point before gluing & inserting it to act as a stop to avoid pushing the ferrule too far in, it never fails if you push it too far in the glue will bond instantly at the wrong point. It also allows you to insert it quickly with confidence so the glue doesn't bond before it's in far enough. The glue goes inside the spar, not on the ferrule, if you put it on the ferrule you will get a buildup of glue where the rods meet that may cause the female rod to split if you don't get it cleaned up immediately. Check that the ferrule will insert into the rod before gluing, once in a while you'll find there may be a burr or irregularity that will hinder a smooth insert. Clean the ferrule and inside of the spar with a mild solvent or rubbing alcohol to remove any release agents for a good bond, some people recommend using some 400 grit sand paper to get a better bite.

If you ever need to replace your 2PT's be sure to measure the diameter, they have been available in both .244 inside diameter & .234 I.D. currently I believe only the .234 ID is available in the 32.5" length.

[iwannafly]

Yep, the solid rod you're referring to is called a Ferrule, you'll use the 2.5" for the leading edges and the 4.0" for the spreaders. The longer length used on the spreaders is to allow for the width of the Center T, when replacing the spreaders you won't center the ferrule in the spreader like you would on the leading edge, you need to factor in the width of the center T so the insert point will be 2" - (1/2 the center T width).

Hints: Wrap some masking tape around the ferrule at that point before gluing & inserting it to act as a stop to avoid pushing the ferrule too far in, it never fails if you push it too far in the glue will bond instantly at the wrong point.

Be sure to use the 4" ferrule. I used a 3.5" ferrule to fix my MANTIS a week ago. Even though it was perfectly centered, I think the shorter ferrule did put a bit too much force in a section of the spreader it was inserted. I ended up with a 2.5-3" crack along the length of one of the LS.

[Steve]

I thought 2PT's were .244 also. Or did you mean 2P's (they are discontinued, so maybe it doesn't matter...)

Oops.  You are correct Gary.  Changed my original post.  Must have been in a time warp ...once upon a time they were a smaller diameter ... which is good to know in case you are replacing a 2PT on an older kite.  You will want to check the internal diameter on those before ordering a replacement