This looks good!

[Shadowrider]

[bumsteer]

Slick tool. Unfortunately, the $650 cost is a bit steep for me. Of course I'm saying that as I look at 2 cuts on my hand from zip ties.

Rick

[Pushboy]

I really like tools -- so that's pretty cool.

I'm curious though, and forgive my ignorance (I still have a ton to learn - especially about electronics) but what is wrong with zip ties?

[Av8r3400]

I learned how to tie loom lacing when I bought my first Kitfox 4-1050. It may have had three temporary zip ties in it. So I needed to learn how in order to maintain the wiring.

I tied the entire harness when I built the Mangy as well. I hate cutting my fingers and hands on clipped zip tie ends.

(My old 'Fox)
1464.jpg

[Shadowrider]

Looks good! I bought a roll of lacing string and still have 80percent of it left after doing 2 aircraft. Pushboy you don't want to use zip ties for wiring. You are building this plane to last 30 years and zipties will just deteriorate and break off. They also chaff the wire. They become hard and brittle. Not to mention you cut your fingers on them. You want to lace all your wires so they will last and hold up.

[Pushboy]

Looks good! I bought a roll of lacing string and still have 80percent of it left after doing 2 aircraft. Pushboy you don't want to use zip ties for wiring. You are building this plane to last 30 years and zipties will just deteriorate and break off. They also chaff the wire. They become hard and brittle. Not to mention you cut your fingers on them. You want to lace all your wires so they will last and hold up.

Ah -- that makes sense. I guess I'll add lacing to another skill I need to acquire in the build process. Thanks for the info.

[alexM]

On the topic of lacing, I need to order some. Now I'm faced with too many choices (!).

I think tying the laces will be easier than choosing which type. So...
1) Nylon
2) Polyester
3) Waxed
4) Not waxed
5) Continuous
6) Individual
5) Something I'm missing?

[jiott]

I agree with John, good quality zip ties are nooo problem. I have them all over my Kitfox and have done all my own maintenance and annuals for 10 years, and would you believe, not one single scratch that drew blood.

[efwd]

Way to be optimistic Dustin. I hope nothing electrical behind my seat causes problems in thirty years time. As soon as I need to replace a wire or something, I will be cutting every wire tie off just to retrieve a bad wire. I will be buying your left over stuff then because I thought I had cut my wire ties off flush but low and behold, BLOOD. And, skin gets thinner and thinner with age.

[Av8r3400]

Eddie - Tip for tying harness laces, go to your local sewing supply store and buy the best small scissors they have. Spend $50 if you have to. It will be well worth it.