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hiker1
Since 01 Jul 2007
125 Posts
Portland
Stoked
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 Wed Aug 22, 07 5:52 pm 2 easy beginner questions... |
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Greetings-
Just bought a used kite; noticed 2 tiny pinholes in about the lower middle of the kite fabric - it is a 5M that mostly I'll be using to body drag/fly practice. Do I need to fix pinholes (not on the bladder)? If so, do I put kite tape on one or both sides of the pinhole?
Feel like a dweeb on this question; WTF is the easiest way to pull the pump out but keep that plastic ball (or make the damn thing) stay on the valve so it does not deflate instantly? Tips greatly appreciated.
Thanks y'all!  |
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Moto
Since 03 Sep 2006
2698 Posts
Still a gojo pimp!
Moto Mouth
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| Wed Aug 22, 07 5:59 pm Re: 2 easy beginner questions... |
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Regarding the pinholes - well you should probably try and fix them. Airtime has tape that works just fine. They can get bigger and they can also lead to a very large tear. I had some pinholes in my canopy and I ignored them for a while - I got lofted pretty hard and then when my kite came down the canopy ripped from top to bottom. Airtime said it was probably weak due to the pinholes.
Regarding one or two sides - you can probably get away with just reparing one side - but keep an eye on the holes - make sure the tape stays on.
Regarding the plastic ball - it really depends on your kite and condition of the kite. Some balls immediately pop into place - others are worn out (or too new) and don't pop right into place. Make sure you are putting enough air pressure in the bladder - if you are fully pressured then the ball is more likely to pop into place. If a ball isn't working then I will shake the valve - flick it a couple of times - turn it upside down - and try and squeeze it. This helps loosen up the ball.
Good luck.
| hiker1 wrote: |
Just bought a used kite; noticed 2 tiny pinholes in about the lower middle of the kite fabric - it is a 5M that mostly I'll be using to body drag/fly practice. Do I need to fix pinholes (not on the bladder)? If so, do I put kite tape on one or both sides of the pinhole?
Feel like a dweeb on this question; WTF is the easiest way to pull the pump out but keep that plastic ball (or make the damn thing) stay on the valve so it does not deflate instantly? Tips greatly appreciated.
Thanks y'all! |
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shastadogs2
Since 28 Mar 2005
336 Posts
Obsessed
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| Wed Aug 22, 07 7:18 pm |
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| turn the strut upside down after pumping up and before removing pump nozzle. gravity will work for you to seat the ball when you remove the pump nozzle. |
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Kodiak
Since 01 Aug 2005
1114 Posts
Slidey
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| Wed Aug 22, 07 8:25 pm |
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| For the struts, do as shasta says and just turn them over, and no problem. For the leading edge, just give the nozzle a karate chop. It will vibrate the ball and pop right into place. Super easy. |
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hiker1
Since 01 Jul 2007
125 Posts
Portland
Stoked
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| Wed Aug 22, 07 11:12 pm |
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Thanks y'all - as always - rockin advice  |
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eric
Since 13 Jan 2006
1872 Posts
XTreme Poster
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| Thu Aug 23, 07 5:32 am |
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Get a roll of Dacron repair tape from Airtime in Hood River. Cut quarter size circles to cover pinholes. Color tape with Sharpie and you can't even see it! Yes, stay on top of pinholes--my 8 year old looks for them for me every month, or so. I considered giving him a quarter per pinhole, but knowing him, he would be out there with a needle...
Cheers,
Eric |
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tstansbury
Since 06 Jun 2006
649 Posts
Rowena and P.C
Addicted
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| Thu Aug 23, 07 7:31 am |
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| if the above tips don't work with the ball valves you may just have to squeze them with one hand somtimes they just don't work. |
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pkh
Since 27 Feb 2005
6549 Posts
Couve / Hood
Honored Founder
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| Thu Aug 23, 07 7:44 am |
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| tstansbury wrote: | | if the above tips don't work with the ball valves you may just have to squeze them with one hand somtimes they just don't work. |
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