Sticking Spreaders/Leading Edge Connectors

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[sbrown]

I stand by my statement a few years ago that APAs are one of the most important advancements in sport kiting. Nothing comes close.

agreed, that and stand-offs.

They got the compound mixture just right with APAs.

I've found that Sky Shark connectors are too 'plastic-y' and get brittle, Tradewinds are too rubbery and can leave marks on the sail.

[Kitemac]

Today I put the Quantum together and tried to seat the spreaders a little deeper.  This may duplicate what is happening when the kite is flown in the higher winds this fall.  Same symptoms: the spreaders are so tight I cannot twist them.  After using quite a bit of force I pulled them out.  Thinking lube is the answer I used Endust (light furniture polish) on the tips.  Even when pushed in deep the spreaders will still twist and come out while keeping a tight fit.  This looks like the solution and will not stain the kite fabric.

I did a search for kite lube and maybe talc will also work.  Does anyone know how Kitemates work?  It is unclear from the pictures I found.

[tcope]

I did a search for kite lube and maybe talc will also work.  Does anyone know how Kitemates work?  It is unclear from the pictures I found.

Look no further then the tip of your nose, young Grasshopper.

No, really... it's the oil on the side of your nose.

[jaydub]

I did a search for kite lube and maybe talc will also work.  Does anyone know how Kitemates work?  It is unclear from the pictures I found.

Talc does work, I've used it on my Talon to reduce the grip of the APAs on the 7PT LS.  It does need reapplying to maintain it's effectiveness.

Kitemates work by breaking the seal between the spar and the connector.  I've bought one but not used it in anger.  Never tried nose grease either.

 

[KaoS]

...Does anyone know how Kitemates work?  It is unclear from the pictures I found...

Place the groove over the spar to be remove with the little 'tang' pointing towards the rubber fitting.  Push the Kite Mate with your thumb along the spar and into the rubber fitting.  The Kite Mate makes it a LOT easier to remove stubborn spars without damaging the kite or your thumb.  I highly recommend them.

If you have trouble finding one, I might know where you can get one...

[kiteking]

I think I posted this before... Being I have a (few) old skool kites, I lifted a tool similar to this from the kitchen


By holding the spar in your hand and inserting it in the groove against the fitting you can then push with your thumbs and the spreader will slide out easily...I find it works great to pop off the end caps of a REV that has collected sand in between the cap and spar...especially nice when your hands are a bit cold

the picture is from amazon, but if you Google oven rack push pull tool you'll find some, hey get 2 they work great in the kitchen also

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