19 replies to this topic

[ahofer]

I discovered some tears in the leading edge mesh of one of my B pros. Should I use the same super glue and Tedlar process I used on a sail tear, or is there a better way to fix these?

[Jeepster]

You might consider Jim Foster's method posted over on the IKE forum.

Cheers,
Tom

[ahofer]

Thanks. Ack! Sewing.

[quaa714]

Suck it up big boy!!!!!!
Have you seen my LEs?
Badge of courage......or the insanely destructive!!!!!

[RevWizard]

I discovered some tears in the leading edge mesh of one of my B pros. Should I use the same super glue and Tedlar process I used on a sail tear, or is there a better way to fix these?

Seeing as it is a B Pro, you might consult Bazzer and see if he could possibly re-work it for you. Of course that won't be cheap, if he accepts, because you would get awesome work done.

Without replacing the mesh, there are some alternate methods:
- sew zig-zag over it several times
- get some identical mesh and sew it over the existing ripped area, to the back would look better.
- do as Rich suggested, leave it as it is.

[AldenMiler]

I've repaired a few by using a zig zag stitch over the split with some additional screening behind it for reinforcement. Then I trim away the excess additional screen.

-Alden

[antman]

i have them on my kites..if they are really small you can use a small piece if clear tear aid tape..thios will prevent it from possably getting bigger,, i have small tears on my screens..so far no problems from it

[Jim Foster]

A little update....

Several months ago, when I was doing a quick repair on the leading edge screen on Lynn's SUL, I ran a zig zag clear along the leading edge at the top of the screen to the fabric sleeve, right where the screen usually separates. This morning I was looking over our kites, and I noticed that there has been no tear along that sewn area. This kite has been flown often this winter, unfolded and folded many times, and no new tears.

I really can't say that the zig zag stitch is the reason for the edge holding up so well, but the edge has held up, while I have had to do a couple of repairs to the leading edge screen on my SUL. The two kites get the same amount of use.

[rmesm]

Jim, Where do you get the mesh fabric to make the repairs?? I just noticed a tear in my std sail LE mesh.. the kite I have with the most hours.
Mark

[walrus wings]

Jim, Where do you get the mesh fabric to make the repairs?? I just noticed a tear in my std sail LE mesh.. the kite I have with the most hours.
Mark

did you ever hear where you can find the right mesh materail for making an overlay repair? JD

[RevWizard]

Try http://www.kitebuild...hp/cPath/24_114

I would have also recommended Hang-em-High Fabrics in Virginia, however they seem to have disappeared.

[Theresa]

I have mesh.

95" x 4" strip is long enough and wide enough for a 1.5

Call me if you need some. 360-977-0074

[stevepigeon]

ive done a few replacements it is a chore esspecally the rolling of sceen to fabric but with practice they come out great looks good and last a long time done one on rev 1 6 years ago still looks great

[Breezy]

For repairing tears in the screen on my Rev - I went to the local hardware store and bought a roll of
screen - the kind to repair a screen door. Works fine. Just lay it over the tear, zig zag with a wide
stitch a bit wider than the tear area. its easy, works and from 120 ft. it looks great!!

[juanitacarr]

Leading edge are harder to repair because the bladders put pressure on the Dacron. I would recommend you to get it repair through a professional, but if you don’t have any access to a professional repair center then try using Kitefix Fiberfix and sticky back Dacron. Combining the two will hold the load of the bladder.

[Jynx]

...and remember to softly fold your rev in thirds trying to fold at different spots each time. Do not fold tightly against the LE spars, that's what contributes to LE wear in those spots!

[Cath Shook]

Suck it up big boy!!!!!!
Have you seen my LEs?
Badge of courage......or the insanely destructive!!!!!

Yep, Eliot periodically receives a couple from Rich - fixes that screen issue - and sends them back to Rich for further "use"

[quaa714]

Yep, Eliot periodically receives a couple from Rich - fixes that screen issue - and sends them back to Rich for further "use"

Hey wait a minute......You're talking about me....I resemble that remark!

[REVflyer]

that tearin' of the leading edge mesh is like "blood on your black belt", ... you earned ever bit of it!

The kite(s) will still fly with it partially ripped-away (perfectly) and eventually everything wears out together, just keep riding and wait for it. This takes thousands of hours, (or a long week-end of giving lessons in very high winds!) The sail fabric will eventually become transparent to the wind with little holes and frays all over it too. You'll have worn thru a few bridles, busted some tubes, or at least wedged the loose ferules unreachably inside. You've picked up a foot-print or some mud along the way, the interior of the leading edge sleeve is packed with abrasive sand dust, end-caps are rounded-off, (or maybe you've even managed to break one? ~ impressive!)

[makatakam]

Going on four years of flying and mine are all still in great shape. Of course flying over grass 99.9% of the time, as opposed to sand asphalt and concrete, really helps. Some fraying of the leading edge dacron at the ends, but nothing that a bic lighter couldn't fix in a hurry. Mesh is holding up very well, but I make sure to leave lots of room between the leading edge tubes where the kite is folded.