Oratex Drain Vent Holes

[SilverFox5]

I am curious as to how others have created and completed drain vent holes in Oratex.
I know BAF (Lars) recommends using seaplane grommet’s on every hole but I have seen VERY few Oratex covered planes with these grommets. Until now I just did not look at how they were finished off.
Does anyone have pictures of your holes and how they were finished.
I have wings and all tail parts completed except for a few tapes left to put on.
Fuselage is also almost complete.
.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Joe Leeman
Wisconsin
Kitfox 5
912uls
.

[jiott]

I would suggest regular grommets (flat) rather than seaplane grommets which have a little scoop on them.

[jrevens]

Drain holes, or holes for grommets are easily made with a soldering iron, just like with Poly-Fiber. I have a few different soldering irons, but I bought a cheap one from Harbor Freight for a couple bucks that has a real pointy tip about 3/16” dia. I don’t know if anyone else does this, but I used a thin Exacto blade to carefully trim off the little melted ridge that forms around the hole, inside & out. If you use grommets, they can be securely attached to Oratex with a spot of super glue.

[Kitfox Pilot]

I used what John said just a soldering iron. It makes self-sealing holes.

[efwd]

Just as John and Harlan. I didn't have a problem with a melted bead around the hole.

[SilverFox5]

Thanks for the tips guys!
Question to all, did any of you use any type of grommet?
Or did you just melt the hole thru the patch and fabric and call it good?
l know Lars recommends a seaplane patch on every drain hole but I don’t remember ever seeing these on any of the Oratex covered planes I’ve looked at.
If I did decide to use flat grommets do they come in clear or will they need to be sandwiched in between the fabric and the patch? The ones I see on Aircraft Spruce do not say if they are clear.
Thanks again!
Joe Leeman

[bumsteer]

Joe

The grommets I got from Wag-Aero are clear.

Rick

[PapuaPilot]

I used seaplane grommets on my plane using the Poly Fiber system.

[jiott]

The flat grommets I got from Kitfox are clear. They also have the seaplane grommets.

[Denalifox]

My plane lives outside year round. I used seaplane grommets to help pull the moisture out in each flight. If you plan on leaving your plane out over night and there is a hint of it getting rained on, consider holes in your rear fuselage, rudder, and elevator. Ask me how I know lol. Water will find a way. Even a humid day and interior condensation can pool up.