29 replies to this topic

[LS Kite Stakes]

Got busy out in the shop, these are fresh off the lathe. I replaced the metal triangles and black caps with a machined and polished aluminum end, with one hole drilled and deburred for the pigtail to tie to. Here is the result:



I haven't had the chance to use them yet, will give them a try a Chambers Henge the next time I get out there to fly!

[Kitelife]

I like these, but is there any way to get the hole (where the line runs through) closer the the end?

As animated as I am, I'd actually swing the top leader around the tip at times... If it was closer, wouldn't happen.

Let me know, and I may be interested in paying you to mod some handles for me, if you're up for it?

[LS Kite Stakes]

No problem getting it (a lot) closer, I can also tune the handle length by making the tips longer or shorter. I am not going to make a bunch of these, mainly because of limited matierial on hand, and I need the handles on hand to modify. I also have other irons in the fire I need to tend to. But for you John, you bet!

[jimfielder]

Very nice Walt! Great idea.

[Kitelife]

Awesome, thanks!

We'll want to look at setting those plugs up so as to not effect the over all length of the handle (position of the leaders too)... It's amazing how comfortable I've become with the stock measurements, down to the actual thickness of the foam and tubing, I've become very sensitive.

Drop me an email, when you're ready to take a whack at it.

[Baloo]

They look good Walt.

I know it took a bit of work, simple solution though.

[Sailor99]

No problem getting it (a lot) closer, I can also tune the handle length by making the tips longer or shorter. I am not going to make a bunch of these, mainly because of limited matierial on hand, and I need the handles on hand to modify.

But you could do the ends alone for people to insert themselves. Just a thought

[antman]

im with baloo .. could you do it so it can be a kit that you would put on your handles .. it would cut cost in that way of not needing a bunch of handles to make them

[quaa714]

Great idea Walt.
No doubt you would have a lot of success with this mod.
For me those triangle clips are a source of great frustration.
I'd love to have a clipless handle and if you need some beta testers, count me in!

[LS Kite Stakes]

The problem with a kit is it would require the buyer to have certain tools to modify their own handles, way more than the simple screw driver, pliers and hammer. I had to cut about 1/4" ( 1cm) from each end with a cut off tool, then dress the ends with files and countersinks so they were straight and square. The inserts are a press fit and had to be carefully hammered in. I had made a wood block with a hole drilled in it just the right size so I could clamp the handles in the vice without damaging them. Due to differences on the handles out there, I could not guaranty the inserts would actually fit, and the possibility of destroying the handles in the process is very high.

[REVflyer]

Walt,
what if the exit hole (leader line) came out of the end, instead of the side?

Couldn't you just drill one more countersunk hole,
the end is already rounded, so no fraying

[Baloo]

Another thought for a "kit".

And I accept you may well not want to make them up for any number of reasons.

Thought it might be another income for you!!

Not sure how accuatly Rev handles are made. I would presume that are made to a certain tolerance.

If this is the case, what about a push in fitting with a roll pin which needs tapping into the existing clip hole in the handles. Then use the plastic sleeve to cover this up.

Hey presto no need for pressing the ends in. you end up with a tidy, no snag set.

Disadvantage, it would alter that length of JB's handles so they would feel strange to him.

I honestly think non Super Humans will not feel the difference.

Just a thought!!

[Aerochic]

Oh those are wonderful Walt!!! I hope you can figure out a "kit" solution!

[RevWizard]

I like these, but is there any way to get the hole (where the line runs through) closer the the end?

As animated as I am, I'd actually swing the top leader around the tip at times... If it was closer, wouldn't happen.

John, is this what you are looking for?

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[Harrier]

As Walt says for an end plug type kit to work you would need some decent metal working kit, the handle ends I have seen have been quite burred by the cutting and drilling process.
Revflyer, I did try a set of inserts with end drilling on one of my handle sets (not Rev handles) problem was the amount of rotation or torque I put on the handles when flying showed wear on the leader in just a mornings flying due to the line constantly swiveling around over the end of the plug under load, it did not feel good either, the inserts were replaced with something nearer to those Walt has shown, my inserts are made from Nylon 66, as I say not Rev handles, 12mm aluminium tube.
I do have one set of handles with a nice set of hardwood inserts made by friend Pete, they make for something a little different.

[kitelover]

The rounded end cap with the leader coming out the end sure seems like the best solution for eliminating those wraps and snags on the handles when you're whacking away (I too feel your pain John). It sounds like countersinking/radiusing the hole isn't enough to prevent fraying the leader though.
It wouldn't require many tools to install them. Screwdriver and/or pliars to remove the Hog rings, small Rat tail file for any burrs (the ones for sharpening chain saws have nice fine teeth).
Personally prefer longer handles (13" & best of all 15") so adding an inch or so would be a plus. I don't have access to a lathe, so if the caps become available, I'd love to get a set or two.
You may be onto a "must have" accessory there Walt (bling, bling). Hope something like those come out someday, good luck with it and nice job.

[MrDenny]

There are several threads on this very topic, which I love so I have tried several of the mods mentioned.
I have a set with the lines coming out of the end of the end cap and although it works great and is a pleasure to fly it does tend to fray the line around the cap. Line is not expensive and if you keep an eye on it and replace it when it gets thin. It should be ok. Picture here When I order 8 new end caps mentioning the reason I was getting them Lolly simply said "Oh, like the indoor."

Then I tried the cotter pin out of the end trick. Sweet! So far I like this the best as there is not as much fraying. Although I didn't use the extension Check out Steveb's pics. Then look at that whole thread for a ton of ideas.
http://www.revkites....=...ost&p=21357

[awindofchange]

Instead of boring a hole through the end of the cap horizontally, bore one through the bottom of the cap vertically and then knot it inside of the existing handles. That way the leader line runs through the bottom of the cap and then fastens inside the handle where it is impossible to snag on anything.

Just a thought.

[Kitelife]

A little inconvenient to replace however (on RS67Man's version), if it does eventually wear out for any reason.

I like having it all accessible... 2 cents delivered.

[Baloo]

I was also going to say that if the knot is "sealed" inside you have to strip the handles down to replace it.

Not a thing you might be able to easily do out in the field. Might just spoil your day.

Personaly I make sure I go flying with more tan one kite, lines, handles, ground stakes etc.

Learnt my lesson whil having a FANTASTIC Day Fly Fishing, that was till I busted my rod. Now always take 2.

I like the ones in the first post as the leaders are larks headed on. Easy to replace.