Power Kite Forum

Tying kite lines

WillemT - 14-12-2015 at 04:29 AM

Hi Guys

Lost or forgot my username so needed to register again.

I fly a 4m^2 rad sails pro 2 power kite for fun. Haven't had time to build a buggy etc.

Snapped my lines the last time I flew it, luckily didn't get hurt..

On closer inspection I saw the line snapped or broke at the point where it went into the knot of the little loop which you use to tie onto the bridles.

The other connection loops show exactly the same eg. wearing of the thin dyneema line right at the knot.

So what I now need to know is how do you tie the line into a knot again... The line looks good further and I really haven't used them much as I mostly fly only during holidays and probably 3 weekends a year.

Have tried to look and search but couldn't really find anything. Scared to just make a normal knot as I think it might reduce the strength of the line.

Any help will be appreciated!!

carltb - 14-12-2015 at 05:04 AM

youll need something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Spirit-of-Air-Sleeving-Kit-Needle-... then shorten all tines to the same length. then you can either sew or knot them

WillemT - 14-12-2015 at 05:17 AM

hmm ok. Currently it looks like they are just embedded into a knot of the thinker line that the loop is made from. Will post a pic tomorrow.

Might that be the reason why they went in the first place?
Maybe should just go to the nearest kite shop and see if they could help me. Thought there was a special way to embed it into another knot like it's done currently without the sleeve...

bigE123 - 14-12-2015 at 07:02 AM

If you post a picture up it would be a lot easier to see how it currently connects, connections are usually larks head but they may be just knotted.

bigkid - 14-12-2015 at 08:29 AM

If you can see other spots that are almost broke, replace the line set. You not only take a chance of doing damage to your kite or your self but others that may end up the casualty of your lack of controls as the kite or handles fly away.
I broke a finger as I broke a line and the handle was ripped out of my hand. The worst part of it was the 7 bridle tabs I had to sew up and the rats nest of the lines and bridle parts that took out another kite as we were passing each other. Just saying....

rectifier - 14-12-2015 at 12:18 PM

Never tie flying lines, as all knots weaken the rope you are working and create a stress point.

You want to cut all four lines back to the same length, buy or make a "fid" - a knitting needle cut off works well - and perform locking brummel splices to create new eyes. Measurements, especially bury length, are absolutely critical. I'm comfortable doing this but many are not.

If you have a nearby kite or sail shop, they should be able to do this for you fairly affordably and give advice as to the condition of the lineset as well.

Prussik - 14-12-2015 at 03:28 PM

Almost all my line sets have knots as a result of combining 2 or 1.5 sets into one for extra length. Never broke a line at the knot. After all there are already 2 knots at the end and I have little reason to worry about adding a 3-rd one. There is a lot of safety margin built into line strength. If I jumped (I don’t) – then my safety criteria would be a lot stringent. As it is even if I broke a power line, the kite would flag out on safety leash – no big deal.

bigkid - 14-12-2015 at 03:35 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Prussik  
Almost all my line sets have knots as a result of combining 2 or 1.5 sets into one for extra length. Never broke a line at the knot. After all there are already 2 knots at the end and I have little reason to worry about adding a 3-rd one. There is a lot of safety margin built into line strength. If I jumped (I don’t) – then my safety criteria would be a lot stringent. As it is even if I broke a power line, the kite would flag out on safety leash – no big deal.

your not going to open that can of worms are you?:lol:

bigE123 - 15-12-2015 at 08:56 AM

:D lol bigkid! My first bridles were all slip knots and stopper knots but then I took that in to account and doubled the bridle line strength. Really depends on what the line rating is, if it's just for static and that's with feet on the ground, as long as the original lines are 150kg+ then don't be afraid of using a knot. You can use a bowline, the loop can then be used to larks head on to the bridle line leader. As said before just make sure all 4 lines are the same length.

PS where's the pics?