Damaged #5 links

[mark 107]

I recently came across a batch of new #5 Rapide links. A large proportion had tool marks in the area shown on Photo 1. In several cases, there was a raised barb, like a splinter forming on a piece of wood, as shown in Photo 2. The barb was sharp enough to draw blood (O+), so would have damaged lines or riser if put into service.

Another batch of new #5 links had sharp burrs on the ends of the screw threads.

Check yours!

Cross-posted at the PIA rigger forum.

Mark

[erdnarob 1]

Are you sure that those "maillon rapide" are marked "made in France" ? Could they be copies of the original ?

Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all.

[mark 107]

I wrote "Rapide" to distinguish from L-bar links, not to imply that Maillon links were particularly at fault.

Mark

[popsjumper 2]

Can you tell us the source?

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[councilman24 37]

You can read Maillon Rapide in the photo.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[councilman24 37]

I'm sure you've seen this before as I have. I've seen these nicks in the body of the link. But especially spurs and things on the barrel and the threads. I keep a small, fine gun makers file in my rigging kit just to take care of links. I've seen several harnesses assembled by riggers and non riggers damaged by these spurs.

What's real annoying is when you get links with these issues installed on new canopies. Assembling a new Butler canopy in a pilot rig last night not only were the ends of the threads very sharp, but the barrel had spurs of metal sticking up and out from the threaded opening. These were already assembled on the lines from Butler. Had to get out the file and clean them up.

At least one canopy manuf. and I think others used to tumble polish the links they supplied. But I can never remember stuff like this off the top of my head.

BTW these http://www.wichard-usa.com/ClimbingSafety/maillon_rapide/mr-S.htm sure look like they'd have more room for the webbing and maybe rotate less.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[fcajump 164]

Quote

I'm sure you've seen this before as I have. I've seen these nicks in the body of the link. But especially spurs and things on the barrel and the threads. I keep a small, fine gun makers file in my rigging kit just to take care of links. I've seen several harnesses assembled by riggers and non riggers damaged by these spurs.

What's real annoying is when you get links with these issues installed on new canopies. Assembling a new Butler canopy in a pilot rig last night not only were the ends of the threads very sharp, but the barrel had spurs of metal sticking up and out from the threaded opening. These were already assembled on the lines from Butler. Had to get out the file and clean them up.

At least one canopy manuf. and I think others used to tumble polish the links they supplied. But I can never remember stuff like this off the top of my head.

BTW these http://www.wichard-usa.com/ClimbingSafety/maillon_rapide/mr-S.htm sure look like they'd have more room for the webbing and maybe rotate less.

Terry,

You got a source handy for files that will clean up SS links? I've had the same issue with some batches of Maillon's.

BTW - the trapeze look even more accomidating... might need to get a set and test them on my own main for a while... http://www.wichard-usa.com/ClimbingSafety/maillon_rapide/trapeze_mr.htm

JW

Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

[councilman24 37]

Jim,

What I'm using are small gun files that I picked up at a gun show several years ago.

Something like this but not exactly. Anything will do. Probably even an emory board. Just enought to knock off the sharp sliver of steel and sharp edge at the end of the threads.

With everyone going to soft links don't know whether it's worth finding something else.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=290686&t=11082005

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[LaRusic 0]

I use jeweler files often at work for repairing threads on machined bolts and screws. they work quite well at removing burs

cheap at amazon

www.amazon.com/Diamond-Reamer-Files-Jewelers-Clean/dp/B000T3ZWTM

or another source
www.findingking.com/p-37253-diamond-coated-hand-files-5pcs.aspx

The Altitude above you, the runway behind you, and the fuel not in the plane are totally worthless
Dudeist Skydiver # 10

[councilman24 37]

Anything fine will work.
The files I have are cheap ass junk from the gun show, but work well for this.

Actually they may have been $68.95 on government contract.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[erdnarob 1]

Even with the inscription MAILLON RAPIDE the original link needs the incription MADE IN FRANCE. There is no limit at copies. Even Champagne from France, Perfumes... are copied in the far East countries. Here is 2 pictures of the same actual MAILLON RAPIDE made in FRANCE (I put some black ink on the inscriptions and treated the pictures with iPHOTO).You can even see the "SWL 280 kg N 5" inscription of it.

Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all.

[riggerrob 643]

I have seen genuine "Maillon Rapide ... Made in France" with rough edges.

This just reminds all riggers to inspect all new pieces of parachute hardware before they assemble ...

[hackish 8]

For filing links I personally prefer using abrasives to work with stainless if that is what your link is made of. Those fingernail boards do a decent job. Just make sure you do it away from the rig itself as you don't want filings or abrasives to get into the webbing or the lines.

I work with stainless for a living and have used a number of tumblers and vibrators with ceramic media they work wonders if and only if you use the correct process. If you were so inclined to do that you'd need to close the link so you don't damage the threads. I would wrap the wrench pads too but that's just me.

-Michael