davmeva - 28-5-2007 at 02:39 AM
I have recently found a few small rips in one of my kites and I’m unsure of the best way to repair.
Two of them are very small, under half a cm, and I’m not too worried. The third is more of a concern as it is close to a 1.5 cm and is u shaped.
What is the best way to repair this type of rip and who much will it affect flight?
acampbell - 28-5-2007 at 04:51 AM
Repair tape will work for something that small. Flexifoil offers it.
Marine stores will offer sail repair tape as well.
Much larger and you should sew.
davmeva - 28-5-2007 at 08:18 AM
I don’t fancy attacking the kite with a needle and thread, I may make a right mare, tape it is I think. I’ve never used it before, is it solid stuff?
powerzone - 28-5-2007 at 09:10 AM
unless you are very experienced at sewing kites and nylon, use the tape. its good stuff and works 90% of the time. besides, poking more holes in the
sail only weakens it in the already weakened area. tape it.
be sure and clean the fabric well in the ripped area so the tape sticks the best.
also, round the corners of the tape so there are no points on the edges.
best results: overlap by 1.5 inches on either side of the rip and tape both sides of the skin. inside and out.
BeamerBob - 30-5-2007 at 08:01 AM
I got some tears once when a friend dove my kite into a chain link fence. I got some clear mylar tape and other than being more shiny, there is no
problem. It has held for over a year with no peeling up and no more tearing. Done in a few minutes too.