Guys, where can I get these wires that are used for strengthening the horizontal and vertical stabs?
Anybody make these things themselves out of materials around your shop?
I am unclear on how they attach to your plane. Do they use screws or what? Thanks for any help.

Paul:

If we are talking about a large plane, Du-Bro part number 205 is a 4-40 kit for tailplane support.

For a smaller plane just get some aramid or kevlar cord, drill a hole through the vertical fin - in a spar if it's built up, anywhere for solid - and a hole near each outer end of the horizontal stab. Thread the cord up through one end of the horiz stab, through the vert, and back down through the other end of the horiz stab. Pull down on one end and drop some CA on the top side. then go to the opposite end and pull that one down, tightening the cord all the way across to the other side, then another dab of CA. Finally, put some CA on the cord where it goes through the vertical stab, trim the bottom and it's all done.

Now for problems. The aramid/kevlar tends to stretch a bit when first put in service, so before you put the cord in the plane tie one end off and pull hard on the other, yank the heck out of it to get the initial stretch done.

Added insurance against going slack - soak the entire cord with CA after installation.

An alternative to the cord is getting a small "Pull-pull" rig and adapting that.

Hope this helps.

Bill.

Bill,
Where can I get kevlar cord?
Also,
Does this method not get a little CA on your monokote? CA makes monokote turn white and ugly sometimes. I guess I just need to use it sparingly? Thanks.

Paul:

Kevlar cord and a lot more at:

http://www.emsjomar.com/

And yes, do be careful with the CA. I've not noticed any color change, but it makes nasty bumps on the Monocote.

Bill.

Or you can use spider wire (non stretch fishing line) or wire fishing leaders, for rods use bike spokes or 2-56 push rods

Thanks fellas. Good info.
One last thing. If I were to install these metal wires on a larger scale plane, would it be a bad idea to run my antenna wire up to the vertical stab like I normally do? Would interferance be a problem. I normally like to run my antenna up to the vertical stab to keep it away from the ground while on the runway. I've never liked running it up under the aircraft, but I also don't want any interference. I've never had interference problems, but I've heard of guide wires on the stabs causing interference. Thanks.

Paul:

I've never heard of it being a problem. But you DO range checks, don't you?

Bill.