goof while dimpleing

[CaptPausert]

Had a goof today while dimpling my horizontal stabilizer skin with the pneumatic squeezer.

This is what happens when the guide slips out of the hole it punches a new one.

Any suggestions on what I need to do or should I call Vans.

 

[Desert Rat]

Don't see a picture, but this has happened a million times. There are a couple of common fixes depending on how far it is from the "real" hole

 

[iwannarv]

Flatten it out, drill/dimple a new hole 1/2 distance to next hole on either side, epoxy/micro fill before paint.

 

[CaptPausert]

There is maybe 3/32" between the holes about the width of a rivet. I measured 9/32" from one far edge to the other.

 

[MJarreau]

What he said....

Flatten it out, drill/dimple a new hole 1/2 distance to next hole on either side, epoxy/micro fill before paint.

Yup. Just did this on my TOP left wing skin. Ugh.

 

[CaptPausert]

Yeah I am enough of a perfectionist that it is really irritating but not enough of one to be ordering a new wing skin unless I really have to.

 

[Desert Rat]

smoosh it flat, dimple in the right spot. stick a rivet in the original hole, but understand that its strength is now compromised due to an unplanned hole way too close to it.

Add a new rivet of the same type on either side of the whole mess, assuming that proper spacing can be maintained. Fill in the accident hole, now with JB weld or later during paint prep.

Edit- this isn't just internet advice, it's what Van's typically advises when this specific oopsie comes up (like I said, it happens a lot), but you should likely call them to confirm that it's still appropriate in this particular case

 

[MJarreau]

Agreed

...this isn't just internet advice, it's what Van's typically advises when this specific oopsie comes up (like I said, it happens a lot)

True.

...you should likely call them to confirm that it's still appropriate in this particular case

Fair Enough. (Email works for us. They are quite responsive.)

Let us know how this goes.

Mike