What Material is best?

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[NormP]

The trailing edge of my Silver Fox looks like a beaver has chewed it up.  The leech line is exposed in several places. What would be the best material to replace it with?

[fidelio]

1 or 2 inch slit nylon. 1 inch if you just want to fold it in half along the trailing edge, or 2 inch if you want to double fold it.

just be careful when you sew it not to sew through the leech line.

[Spz0]

Are you planning on removing the old trailing edge and installing a new one?  or Patching?

Heres a site I found really helpful for material replacement, and tools needed.

http://www.tweelijners.com/tom/tomskitesite-en/Home.html

[kmac]

...The leech line is exposed in several places. What would be the best material to replace it with?

Can you post pictures of the damage?  It would be easier to make a recommendation.

[NormP]

...The leech line is exposed in several places. What would be the best material to replace it with?

Can you post pictures of the damage?  It would be easier to make a recommendation.

Jon...thanks for the site. I was going to try to patch.
Ken...I'll take a couple shots and post them.

[NormP]

Here is one shot. I'll have to re-size a couple more.

[NormP]

Here's another

[NormP]

One more....None of my LE material was bunched, but could my Leech Line be to tight?

[Spz0]

I don't think ur leech line being too tight would do that (but to be sure, check for sail distortion along the wingtip/trailing edge).
It could also be from too many repeatitive yoyo wraps.
Once you get those patched, try re-enforcing the trailing edge with black duct tape.  Take a roll, and cut it down the center (essentially cutting the width in half), and wrap some along your trailing edge, extending 6 inches to either side of your standoffs.  Also put some tape just above your yoyo stoppers.  When the tape wears out, just peel it off, then replace it.  Beats replacing a T.E. or L.E.

Hope that helps m8. 

~Jon

[NormP]

Thanks for the tips Jon. Not sure how I will patch the trailing edge yet. After I patch it I will give the duct tape a try for support. Here is what I do at the yo-yo stoppers.

[NormP]

Here's how I supported the sail tensioner that I split by pulling too tight. I'm sure I'm not the only one that has done this.

[NormP]

Not quite a BMK or Benson nose, but it keeps me in the air.

[kmac]

My guess is that the problem is abrasion caused either by the bridle or leader lines.  I would probably try 1" 3.9 oz Dacron tape, folded in half as a sleeve/patch.  You'll need to remove and replace the standoff reinforcements, or at least cut them loose at the bottom to sew the new T/E sleeve in.

I agree with using the black duct/gaffer's tape as a sacrificial layer.  You might also try some of the Moonie tape (which Steve carries), it's intended for this type of friction.

It's not a difficult repair.

[NormP]

My guess is that the problem is abrasion caused either by the bridle or leader lines.  I would probably try 1" 3.9 oz Dacron tape, folded in half as a sleeve/patch.  You'll need to remove and replace the standoff reinforcements, or at least cut them loose at the bottom to sew the new T/E sleeve in.

I agree with using the black duct/gaffer's tape as a sacrificial layer.  You might also try some of the Moonie tape (which Steve carries), it's intended for this type of friction.

It's not a difficult repair.

Thanks Ken for your repair and material suggestions. I have Moonie tape. You said it's not a difficult repair. You must not have looked at my other repairs. 

[kitelover]

Norm, I just had to repair the same thing on mine, although the damage didn't go beyond the two standoffs. I used adhesive backed     Dacron repair tape (insignia cloth). About 2" wide and 6" long (the width of the standoff reinforcement). Used a hole punch to make two holes for the standoffs, slid it over the standoffs and folded it over. A corner or two stick out more than I'd like, an extra pair of hands would help during the folding. I haven't flown it since, so can't say how it holds up.
I rarely do rollups, so suspect the wear is from lazy susans. I think I'll give up the fast/aggressive ones and if it happens again maybe the axle based tricks are enough.

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