Project: Design RV-6 Tire Jack

[loopfuzz]

Looks like this would work on the A models too?

[mbauer]

Originally Posted by RONSIM

My experience has been that a flat put the fairing on the ground such the lower screws holding the fairing on cannot be reached --- figured I would have to have something that would lift the wing.

If this design would work with fairings, it would be nice solution.

Ron

Wow, something I didn't think of, yes even with air in the tires still have to get really low to unscrew...

After thinking this over, when stranded at a remote location/no help available will still have this issue. Will a wing tie-down jack be available? probably not unless you bring one with you. Wonder if possible to taxi onto a 2x4 or rock to raise wheel pant high enough, of course that is going to take a bunch of rpm's- now have prop dings to contend with. At the same time if flat happens when landing a rough strip is not going to be kind to the fairings. Catch 22....Two people might be able to have one lift the wing by using their back and the second person slide a rock, etc. under the tire to get at the screws.

This is a great point, will take more thought. Thank you!

Best regards,
Mike Bauer

[mbauer]

Originally Posted by loopfuzz

Looks like this would work on the A models too?

Axle height is the main determining factor for use. Vlad informed me his 9A has the same axle height.

axle height of 4-1/2 to 4-5/8" will work.

Best regards,
Mike Bauer

[mbauer]

Originally Posted by RONSIM

My experience has been that a flat put the fairing on the ground such the lower screws holding the fairing on cannot be reached --- figured I would have to have something that would lift the wing.

If this design would work with fairings, it would be nice solution.

Ron

Hi Ron,

I actually have a set of these somewhere. Thinking the Phillips will now be in the RV ASAP.


Never thought to add them to my tool kit.

Best regards,
Mike Bauer

[mbauer]

JB volunteered to test one of these. He used the jack for brake maintenance.

He sent some photos, asked if ok to share them. He replied that it was.

Here are some photos of the jack at work.







Best regards,
Mike Bauer

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by KiloWhiskey1

Can the lifting screw be removed and reinserted easily? If so, a 7/8? gearwrench could be used for quick jacking.

It could, but how would you lower it again? You'd have to flip over the gear wrench, so you'd have to remove it first, and the plane is jacked up...

[Vlad]

I have a beta version too. Tried to lift my friend RV9 but didn?t remove the wheel. It gets the job done. I used a hose clamp as an anchoring point.

[Roy Thoma]

Mike,

Any update on when/if the jack will be available? Estimated cost?

Regards,

[mbauer]

Hi Roy,

Yes, and No. Have contacted Doug about advertising, been waiting on a call letting me know when can start.

In the mean time, thinking will list them on eBay for now. I have 4-made up and ready to go.

Have not finalized a price yet, will be around $125 each, they are getting fabricated by a professional welding crew/business. This ads to the price considerably.

After talking with Vlad, the small angled screwdriver with a ratchet head works great on flat tires. I just bought one at a local hardware store, it was $15.

Trying to find a source for the simple 90deg bent Phillips screwdrivers to get at the lower screws when tire is flat at this time. The bent screwdrivers can be purchased as a set, for $5 locally. Plan to include one of the 90deg bent screwdrivers as part of the jack purchase.

Also looking at options for a lighter weight 7/8" wrench.

Fab (Steelhead Industrial LLC) shop tried to use a plasma to make some wrenches, that did not work as planned, will stop in at Metal Magic (local oilfield machine shop) to see if they can stamp out some wrenches.

Have had this project on hold for a couple of months, due to my son-in-law racing in the World's Longest, Toughest Snow Machine Race: 2020 Irondog Snow Machine Race.

2400-miles Fairbanks to Nome and then finish at Big Lake. Today was the end of the race. Team 19 did not finish, finished the race in Unakleet when they could not continue due to several crashes and medical issues, along with mechanical problems.


Now can get back on project. Wrenches and screwdriver sources.


Best regards,
Mike Bauer

[jpowell13]

I would buy one. I'll bet a stubby 7/8 wrench would give you plenty of torque and weigh little.

As for getting to the lowest screws on the wheel fairing with a flat tire, I carry a really short Phillips head screwdriver. Then, after my second flat away from home, I just began leaving out the toughest screw to get to. (I think it's the lowest screw on the inboard side of the fairing.) My plane doesn't seem to know the difference.

John