I have a small hole, well actually two counting the pinhead one. The byproduct of a small dog that I let live for some reason.

Very minor damage but still was pissed.

What is the best way to fix this? Professionally? I think the owner of the dog may share costs. I was trying to be nice about it though they should pay for all of it. Will fixing it professionally leave a better appearance? I imagine it is small enough to tape or something. Does that effect the kite in any way?

Sorry this is my first post. I have been around here for several months. Amazing board that has helped me in so many ways.

Bill

Did you get lucky enough to at least run him over a little???? I'm sure you have leash laws there.......

No pro repair needed here really. Just red spinnaker repair tape in a circle about 1". or white tape if you can patch from inside. Clean first with an alcohol swab. get it at any marine store of buy a roll of KiteFix tape (repackaged spinnaker tape).

Angus beat me to it. If red tape is available, go for that. It will still show as a dark spot when the kite is flying I imagine.

Bill, that looks like some tape on both sides will fix you up permanently. There are different types of tape. A clear tape will do the best here since it will let the color come through. You probably won't find a matching red ripstop repair tape. I fixed a MUCH worse tear in a kite and it lasted years without any issues. IMHO this is not a professional repair candidate.

Welcome to the party Bill. I wish your first post was a happier one. Now go tail whip the dog and owner!!!:wee:

Quote:

Originally posted by BeamerBob It will still show as a dark spot when the kite is flying I imagine.

Yeah, that's why I was thinking white from inside- less visible in the sun. There is a brand of clear tape meant for tent repair out there that I hear is good, too.

Instead of Red tape, just use some clear tape as even the Red tape will show very dark where the patch is when the sun shines behind the fabric. Clear tedlar or sail repair tape will work just fine. Lay the damaged area out on a very flat surface so that the edges of the fabric are laid out right next to each other and lay the tape on top, pressing firmly. Then do the same thing for the inside of the kite so that the tear is sandwiched between the two pieces of tape. Round the corners of the tape so the patch has less chance of snagging on something. This type of repair will usually last for years without any problems.

Don't pull the sail so that it overlaps or you will have wrinkles or an uneven cell, just lay it flat so that there is no deformation of the cell or profile.

You can purchase some clear Tedlar tape from us if you can't find any of it from your local kite shop.
Here is the link:
http://tinyurl.com/36fywbs

Hope that helps.

LOL @ the add, Keep some handy in case of a dog attack. Fits the bill.

That was actually from Prism's info - I didn't add that in...but it does fit the bill perfectly doesn't it?!?! LOL

Kent your description is way too apt.

Quote:

The ultimate sail repair tape. Invisible from the front of the sail, immune to UV rays from the sun, fixes Mylar tears as well as fabric. Keep some handy in case of a dog attack.

Edit That'll teach me to walk away from the computer.... beat by not one but TWO posts:megan:.

Quote:

Originally posted by acampbell There is a brand of clear tape meant for tent repair out there that I hear is good, too.

Do you mean Tear- Aid? A lot more than tents :wink2:

ATB,
Sam

Another good product is available clear or in various colours...
Tenacious Tape

http://www.mcnett.com/Tenacious-Tape-Repair-Tape-P139.aspx

Available from a number of sources.

aqua seal..........................

Gorilla tape! Haha just saw it for the first time today, but it will probably work better than most after seeing their glue a while back

Whatever tape you get go with clear.

Susan (npw goddess)

Thanks for all the help. Everyone here is AWESOME.

Sounds like clear tape and patch on the inside and the outside.

I guess this is where flying with a bar instead of handles is useful, I assume then I could free up one hand to aim

borntofli-actually thinking some wolverine claws on the leading edge would be cool.

Ah well live and learn. Add dogs to the list of the 100 other things you have to look out for while flying. Obviously we are all amazing people to be able to fly and look out for any possible thing that could happen.

Missed one, my bad.

Quote:

Originally posted by indigo_wolf Quote: Do you mean Tear- Aid? A lot more than tents :wink2: ATB, Sam You can request a free sample of this

did you find repair tape?

i can send you a small strip in the mail

aqua seal..................................

i was going to send him some Mylar Ripstop Nylon repair tape.

u2u sent