simple plane hold down?
 

would some thing like this work as a simple temporary plane hold down on a table/bench/back porch deck? drill a 3/8 or 1/4 " hole in bench top, then insert a bolt from the bottom 2-3" long up through. then cut 2 lengths of nylon packing string approx. 2 feet in length with slip knots on both ends of string. slip 1 loop over 1 leg of main gear then the second string over the other gear leg and slip both loops of both strings over the bolt coming up from under table/bench and cinch tight u could use 2 flat washers on top and bottom of cinched loops and 2 regular nuts on both sides of the washers sorry i dont have a drawing but cant upload it. would this hold a .40 size plane for temp. idle/ throttle adjustment just an idea? any suggestions? [sm=confused.gif]

RE: simple plane hold down?
 

A old screwdriver with the tip pointed(3/8" shank) and a loop of cotton sash cord, also 3/8", tied with a square knot. Stab the 'driver into terra perma, attach rope, hook rope around stab and rudder. Wokdes at the field.

RE: simple plane hold down?
 

Plane will be much more stable holding it by the tail than holding it by the main gear. Soonerace's idea is good. Make sure what you use will hold securely at full throttle, and lots of vibration, not just for idle adjustment.

RE: simple plane hold down?
 

great ideas guys. hadnt thought of the cotton sash. also is tera perma a type of soil or hard packed earth as i was wondering if it might vibrate loose . im getting older so i was kinda thinking of something where u might stand up ie. be off my old sore knees lol. lets here some more great ideas and thx again i still like the nylon packing string as it wouldn't rot from the chemicals as fast from the exaust. [sm=confused.gif]

RE: simple plane hold down?
 

Yes, in an eloquent way he was trying to say "Stick the screwdriver in the ground", although the correct expression is "Terra firma"

Make sure the ground is firm enough to hold it though :D

RE: simple plane hold down?
 

That would explain the phrase Terra Firma (Terra latin for Dirt or ground, Firma meaning hard) Hard Ground. :D

RE: simple plane hold down?
 

Aha! You caught me. My only defense for my illiteracy is Terra is latin"Earth" and Perma is" type of damage inflicted upon RC plane when it strikes the Terra". Other den dat,,,,,,,,,,power up, release the brakes, and lets roll!;)

RE: simple plane hold down?
 

Here is my simple plane hold down for use on the ground: one 8" long metal stake and a piece of 7 foot long soft nylon rope. The rope is tied to the stake using a fishing knot, the Trilene Knot to be exact. The harder you pull on the rope, the more it grips around the stake. I suppose I could have used the "Improved Clinch" or the "Uni Knot", which might work even better.

To learn how to do the various fishing knots, go here: [link]http://www.netknots.com/html/fishing_knots.html[/link]

RE: simple plane hold down?
 

A friend in our club came up with a great hold down made from a large spring clip, a large spike and a length of 1/8" rope. The spike is welded to one "handle" of the spring clip and one end of the rope is tied through a hole in the same "handle". The other end of the rope goes around the tail of the airplane and is held by the spring clip jaws. You can either clip the spring clip to the edge of a table, traping the loose end of the rope as well or push the spike into the "Tera Firma".

RE: simple plane hold down?
 

Yes the trilene knot is awsome.. Use it all the time when fishing, yet to loose a fish with a knot comming un-done.

RE: simple plane hold down?
 

I'm going to try the Non-Slip Loop knot or the Uni Knot next.

RE: simple plane hold down?
 

check out my ad for my fuse anchor and you will get a better idea. Best of luck

RE: simple plane hold down?
 

I found an old screw in the ground dog tie down. I am going this a try.