Spar Nails

[Lostdutchman]

Who would have thought it would be so hard to find nails for the ribs of a champ. I have found a bunch of 14g ringshank nails, but dont feel like driving rebar into my new spars. does anyone have a supplier for 5/8 18g wire nails?

[B PANCAKE]

Profession Hardware&supply co.

Fastenerstuff.com

SS Ringshank Nails 5/8x.072

[Lostdutchman]

Thanks Bill,
I was hoping not to use ring shank nails in the new spars. I am in the process of replacing a rear spar for a friend of mine and the damage those things do is amazing. I did use ring shanks in the front spar because we used the same holes. I guess I can hope to never have to open up my wings again. I will see what I can find. Even after 70 years in service the spars I replaced held most of its nails. I wish I could get an 18g ringshank then you could go big the next time. I know you have built more Champs than I could ever hope to do. Do you know of any champs that weigh less than 800 pounds. I am trying to get mine down that far but Im running out of stuff to lighten with out comprimising safety. Thanks again for the information.
Jason

[Robert Henley]

Who would have thought it would be so hard to find nails for the ribs of a champ. I have found a bunch of 14g ringshank nails, but dont feel like driving rebar into my new spars. does anyone have a supplier for 5/8 18g wire nails?

Jason

I have a pound of AC-301-16 5/8 inches. They are parkerized and cement coated. John Hassall Inc. is the supplier. I'll sell them to you at my cost. I bought way too many for my project. If you are interested send me a private message.

Regards

Robert

[Dusty]

I used P/K screws on field approval, and am very happy with the result.

[Lostdutchman]

I think the use of PK screws should be avioded. Im no wood expert but I think the the screw actually cuts through the wood fibers (kind of like a crack). The nail on the other hand pushes the fibers apart then the wood fibers hold the nail in. Just my humble opinion.