Lacing Cord

[SteinAir]

Originally Posted by Greg Baron

A very secure method of tying a knot in slippery materials such as the waxed flat material from ACS is:

place three throws initially-tighten
follow with two throws-tighten
secure with an additional single throw-tighten

The three followed by two throws secures the wires in a snug fashion. The third throw locks the process. With minimal practice, this should give great results. In 40 years of surgical practice primarily with polypropylene sutures, this is a most reliable method.

I've seen guys do that almost as quickly as someone with zip ties! Also, 'lectric Bob's quick method works perfectly if done properly, as do many of the other knots shown.....in fact, almost all are faster than the old Clove hitch yet equally secure. With a bit of practice, almost any of the aformentioned methods will work and be just as fast as Zip-ties, and won't slice up your hands later. If you walk through my shop, you'll likely see various techs using any number of the noted knots.

Also, if you use Zipties and we work on your airplane later, I'll charge you a "tax" for doing so!

Cheers,
Stein

[ppilotmike]

Originally Posted by rzbill

Gil,
Its not as clean as a clove hitch. I never have figured out what "classical" knot it is. (and I have Ashleys book ) In a way it is good because even though it takes a few more "jiggles" to get all the slack out, it stays put better than a clove while you tie the finish.

Just to give an admission, I know I have put the raw end through the loop in step 3 from either direction. The bottom as shown and sometimes from the top . It made no discernable difference while I was hanging upside down under the panel

I am an Eagle Scout, but it's been a long time since I knew my knots well. I'm thinking your knot is basically a version of a timber hitch, which can be made with the side loops like you show. It's a great knot for lashing wooden poles together to build towers.

[ppilotmike]

More like a clove hitch..

[The Wizzard]

Those grommets look interesting where did you get them?

[Mike S]

Originally Posted by The Wizzard

Those grommets look interesting where did you get them?

Since I posted the only photo with any grommets in it, I will assume your question is directed to me.

There are at least 3 different items in the photo that you could be talking about, snap bushings in the small holes in the tunnel and elsewhere, caterpillar grommet in the large hole upper right, and the three that I suspect you are talking about are in the middle behind the wiring. They are actually from the aviation aisle at Lowes or Home Depot. They are used in electrical boxes when you knock out a hole for conduit, and use a threaded adapter. They screw on over the exposed threads. If you look carefully, you will see a bit of blue "Smurf" flexible conduit in them. Runs under the baggage floor to the battery area. Strobe power pack also in that area. Center is a spare.

Hope this helps.

[Christer]

Another option to those who do not like to use zip ties for high temp areas such as forward of the firewall is a Nomex lacing cord. It is rated to 500F. When I was at the airlines we called it "salt and pepper" cord as it is white with black tracers.

[CDN]

http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=635353221001

The video above shows a very good knot for lacing cord.

[The Wizzard]

Mike, yes the question was answered right! I thought that those came from the aviation Isle. Great idea, one I had not thought about!

Thanks,

Dave

[wjb]

I tracked this down a while ago in prep for some lacing work. I've seen satellite technicians to an *amazing* job lacing cables ... and I'd like to bring some of that craftsmanship to my bird.

However, this pic came from an old Popular Mechanics mag ... I think it was an original reference for Wilbur and Orville..

[L_Rocky]

Hi All,

As a long time lurker I'm over due for my initial post.

Having wired everything from Jabirus to Jumbos I'm a big fan of waxed flat lacing cord. Using a clove hitch with a square knot provides a simple and secure method securing most wiring.

For FWF or other high temp areas there is high temp lacing cord available but use a double knot to secure.

With practice, lacing cord becomes as easy to use as zip ties without the blood. I'm with Stein when it comes to working on other peoples zip tie installs.

Cheers
L_Rocky