rogerswin

My Feedback: (2)

I am currently in the process of installing these fiberglass floats on my "Danaflite Super Decathlon". I have nothing but praise for these floats. However, the installation could have been so much easier if the manufacturer had only provided the attachment brackets pre-drilled and with the tabs pre-bent. I was able to do this during my installation, but I have a complete machine shop! The average kit builder who does not have a good drill press with vise, and a couple of vise-grip clamps is in for a difficult time. Trying to make these brackets by using a hand drill would be very troublesome. For the price they sell these floats for, I would gladly have paid another $10.00 - $15.00, or so, to have these brackets pre-made! After studying the instructions, I don't anticipate any further difficulties.

Roger

I just discovered another problem. The screws used to install the brackets to the floats require a SQUARE tip key!! This may be popular in Canada, but not in the USA. I've gone through my machine shop supplier's catalog (J&L) and they don't list any square tip drivers. Now my weekend of building is a total loss. I'll have to wait until Monday so that I may replace all those screws with standard hex key, or Phillips head type screws.

WeLaserCut

The "Square" drive screws you have are called Robertson screws up here in Canada.
I am amazed that a kit manufacturer would be so blind as to include a fastener that can only be utilized in a very small part of the world.
All of our kits use common Philips screws.
The good news is that a Torx bit will fit in the the head of the screw and allow you to use it. I discoverd this at a fly in in California when I found I forgot the correct size Robertson screwdriver back home.
Check your tool box for some small Torx bits.
You can also use a small slot screwdriver that fits between the corners of the square.

I hope this keeps you building.

Peter

rogerswin

My Feedback: (2)

Peter,

I thank you for your suggestions, I'll keep them in mind. I was able to locate a hardware store that was open and I'm now in the process of building again, but with replaced screws!

Thanks again,
Roger

4*60

My Feedback: (41)

Even Henry Ford used Robertson screws here in Canada on the Model A. It still hasn't caught on in the US. We'll have to keep trying!

Bud Faulkner

My Feedback: (1)

When I got my floats several years ago sea commander supplied standard phillips head screws. You're right about the brackets...they should be drilled before being bent. You also have to put a rounded piece of wood in the vise at the bend point and bend slowly, if you bend without the wood they will snap...trust me as they say. I ended up making my own brackets to scale as possible based on scale photo's of a cub on floats. I don't have a machine shop (darn it) so I cut them from alum. bar stock on my bandsaw.

rogerswin

My Feedback: (2)

Bud,

That's a very professional looking job you did there.

Roger

Bud Faulkner

My Feedback: (1)

Thanks Roger, hope you'll post pictures of yours after you get it done.


Bud