Who knows where to buy mil spec tie wraps for engine

[jwilbur]

Originally Posted by Auburntsts

The issue might be the inspector, not the zip ties themselves. Here in the DC area, the Washington FSDO inspectors don't like to see nylon zip ties FWF. Sometimes it's just easier to play the game. YMMV....

I think we're talking about these SS cable ties from Home Depot. At least these are the ones I'm considering FWF.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/11-in-Sta...T-10/203531940

[Auburntsts]

Originally Posted by jwilbur

I think we're talking about these SS cable ties from Home Depot. At least these are the ones I'm considering FWF.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/11-in-Sta...T-10/203531940

The original discussion was about hi-temp TEFZEL zip ties vs regular nylon. However, I suppose the SS ones will work just as well, at least I have no reason why you couldn't use them.

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by Auburntsts

I suppose the SS ones will work just as well, at least I have no reason why you couldn't use them.

Depending on what they're holding to what, the vibration inherent in the engine compartment coupled with a stainless zip tie could very easily result in the stainless tie cutting right through whatever it's holding. Or whatever it's holding it to. A *nylon* zip tie can cut a groove in your steel engine mount.

[RV7A Flyer]

Originally Posted by Auburntsts

The issue might be the inspector, not the zip ties themselves. Here in the DC area, the Washington FSDO inspectors don't like to see nylon zip ties FWF. Sometimes it's just easier to play the game. YMMV....

Ah, yes...much like nylocks FWF. Except for the fact that LYCOMING PUTS THEM THERE, or provides a nice bag of clamps, nuts, bolts and (GASP) *nylon* zipties for the ignition harness.

Gotta love inspectors who make up their own rules.

[grayforge]

Is there am FAA reference you could ask one of those inspectors to point to a specification in if they point that out? IE: "That's interesting sir. Can you show me exactly where that's spelled out for AEB aircraft?"

On the other hand, I'm still going to use Stein's high temp zip ties. Not a ton of $ for some extra confidence. :-)

[Kyle Boatright]

Originally Posted by grayforge

Is there am FAA reference you could ask one of those inspectors to point to a specification in if they point that out? IE: "That's interesting sir. Can you show me exactly where that's spelled out for AEB aircraft?"

The practical aspect is whether you want to argue a minor point with the inspector or if it is worth the extra few dollars to buy the better zip ties and have an easy inspection.

[grayforge]

My thinking is to just find an RV friendly inspector who doesn't make up requirements.

[ron sterba]

Yep replaced all the nylon cable ties with the new Tefzel cable ties in the engine compartment. I bought them at cabletiesunlimited.com. They came in 3 days by way of USPS from Ohio to Oregon. I was very pleased with the the structure of the tie. I bought both 7" & 4". 100 of each,but will use the nylon every where else. The price was the least of all that I checked out. Just tell them you heard it on VAF thread. I think iam allowed to say that. Very nice and customer orientated company.

Ron in Oregon RV9A

[JonJay]

My philosophy for tie wrap use is simple. I assume they WILL fail and only use them to clean things up like wiring harnesses etc... in a non critical manner. Adel clamps and other suitable hardware are used for security.
All of my standard 185deg tie wraps could fail at once and I would never know or care until the next time the cowl was off. I have not had one fail in 9 years, 700 hours, or even appear stressed. Keep in mind, they are tested to hold the rated capacity at that max temperature. I doubt most use tie wraps beyond a small fraction of their rating. I certainly wouldn't use them for anything other than organizing wires or as a pseudo stand off, again, in a non critical manner.
I don't care if they are Tefzel or not, but that is just my opinion.