Snake - 2-10-2012 at 08:14 PM
I noticed a while ago that the velcro on one of my kite killer is falling off. I don't know when it started but yesterday I let go of the handles and
the kite killer ripped off my wrist. After examining it the hook side of the velcro was ripped halfways off. I was thinking I should restich the
velcro back on. Is there any specific thread I should use or specific stich? I don't want to make it worse by doing somthing wrong.
indigo_wolf - 2-10-2012 at 10:30 PM
Determine whether the stitching just came undone or if the backing for the velcro failed. It the backing has started to fail or if the hook material
looks worn, replace it.
Treads you can use include:
#92 polyester ,uv resistant.
#69 bonded nylon
Need size #20 or #22, if those aren't readily available #18 should be okay.
No need to get fancy with stitching just a straight forward stitch around the perimetier of the velcro. The velcro should have a border without hook
material, try to stick to that so that the hook material doesn't fray the thread.
If you are going to be using a sewing machine, use velcro without an adhesive backing so that you don't cause the needle to foul. Just pin it down
before you start to sew. When sewing around the perimeter of the velcro panel, stop at each corner with the needle down, and pivot the material. That
way you will have one continuous stitch without wandering all over.
Think that covers most of it.
ATB,
Sam
bigkid - 3-10-2012 at 01:47 AM
I am wondering why the Velcro is coming loose? How often do you use your KKs? Your not out flying way over powered all the time and using the KKs as
part of your flying technique are you? Thats not any way to learn to fly. All that will do is get you in trouble anytime you fly. It's about kite
CONTROL, not kite out of control use the KS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-s again and again and again.....
kitemaker4 - 3-10-2012 at 06:52 AM
A straight stitch will do. You just need to use synthetic thread. Natural like cotton will break down to fast. Size #33 or 46 thread will do. If
you do a lot of kite building then you need to try and use bonded thread.
Susan (npw goddess)
Snake - 3-10-2012 at 04:39 PM
BigKid, I almost never use my kite killers. I've probably used them 10 times and most of them were to prevent leading edge collisions with the ground.
The left KK looks brand new with minimal signs of wear and the right looks exactly the same except for the velcro peeling off.
indigo_wolf - 3-10-2012 at 04:55 PM
It happens... might have just got one that got sewn with the tail end of a thread spool, so the box stitch might have never completed.
Either way, hope you get it sorted.
ATB,
Sam