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Thread: Leading Edge Skin Clamps - Tips and Tricks

  1. #1
    Senior Member David H's Avatar
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    Default Leading Edge Skin Clamps - Tips and Tricks

    Some tips on using the leading edge skin clamps:
    (I have standard fuel tank wings, there may be differences with extended range tank wings).

    Here are excellent tips on installing the skins:
    Leading Edge Skin Installation Tips


    The set I received had four of the clamps in the well traveled box.


    IMG_4169.jpg


    Make sure you have wing nuts on all the threaded rods.

    Set the threaded rods to 2 1/2" on three of the clamps and 4 1/2" on one clamp.



    IMG_4164.jpg




    I made this stack up for three of the clamps. A single screw holds all pieces together. The fourth clamp has just the caul board and will use the bridge. This really helps:


    IMG_4165.jpg

    IMG_4170.jpg



    I build a simple bridge for clamp #4 which helped greatly. This bridge traverses the drag wires and makes things a whole lot more efficient.


    IMG_4161.jpg

    IMG_4162.jpg

    IMG_4163.jpg




    This is how your wing should look when you are ready to clamp:


    IMG_4139.jpg


    Move the wing to the edge of your sawhorse so the lower edge of the skin will clear as you form it around the nose ribs. Start from the middle of the outer skin and apply the first clamp (#1) between two nose ribs. You want to center the clamp between the ribs to allow clearance for drilling and riveting. The first skin may be a bit intimidating. Push in on the skin and get it wrapping around the rib. You can push the skin in with your hands and hips (watch you belt buckle). Slip the first clamp in place being careful that the threaded rods don't scar the aluminum skin. Place the caul and steel tube. Just start the wing nuts to hold everything in place.
    Place the second clamp (#2) between the nose ribs adjacent the first clamp and snug it up by turning in on the wing nuts until there is about 1/4" gap between the clamp and the most forward point of the skin. Place and snug clamps three and four one rib over from clamps one and two.



    Now adjust all four clamps so they are flush with the skin. A clamp at a slight angle will be noticeable at this point. The clamp on the left needed adjusting.


    IMG_4145.jpg


    Start tightening the center clamps and work outward. Finger tight on the wing nuts is all you need. You can feel and hear the clamps tightening. When the clamps flush the skin to the ribs, the resistance to turning the wing nut will very quickly increase. Check all around the ribs. Look for the “gap” present between the bottom edge of the rib and the skin just past the leading edge. Others have commented on this. As long as it is <1/32” and consistent among the ribs you are OK. Even when pulled with straps instead of the clamps this gap may be present.


    IMG_4151.jpg


    Once you are satisfied with everything, remove the Cleco and rivet, drill for the bottom rivet and install the bottom rivet. Repeat for all nose ribs between the clamps.


    IMG_4142.jpg


    Now remove clamps #1 and #2 and place them outboard of clamps #3 and #4. Tighten, check, remove Cleco, rivet, drill, rivet.
    Move to the next inboard skin and repeat.

    Use the clamps to help with the landing light install:
    Landing Light Install

    This setup really helped me getting my second wings done with much less frustration of pesky little wooden blocks dropping to the floor when moving the clamps.


    I hope this is helpful.

    David
    Last edited by David H; 10-13-2016 at 05:25 PM.

  2. #2
    Senior Member David H's Avatar
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    Default Re: Leading Edge Skin Clamps - Tips and Tricks

    Additional photos of the leading edge skin clamps in action:


    IMG_4152.jpg

    IMG_4143.jpg

    IMG_4148.jpg

    IMG_4154.jpg

    IMG_4159.jpg

  3. #3
    Senior Member David H's Avatar
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    Default Re: Leading Edge Skin Clamps - Tips and Tricks

    I have sent my set of updated and improved clamps to Tobi in CA.

    David

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    Default Re: Leading Edge Skin Clamps - Tips and Tricks

    Quote Originally Posted by David H View Post
    I have sent my set of updated and improved clamps to Tobi in CA.

    David
    Very nice. I think that is my handwriting on the side of the "well traveled" box (labeling box as "wing clamps").....so good to see it getting around!

  5. #5
    Senior Member David H's Avatar
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    Default Re: Leading Edge Skin Clamps - Tips and Tricks

    Dave,

    FedEx made me repackage the clamps today. They said that box was too worn out!
    I liked it!

    I did sign and date one of the clamps, hopefully this will start a trend as they continue to circulate.

    David

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Leading Edge Skin Clamps - Tips and Tricks

    Quote Originally Posted by David H View Post
    Dave,

    FedEx made me repackage the clamps today. They said that box was too worn out!
    I liked it!

    I did sign and date one of the clamps, hopefully this will start a trend as they continue to circulate.

    David
    Sounds like a good tradition to start!

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Leading Edge Skin Clamps - Tips and Tricks

    Hi David,
    Thank you for the Leading Edge Clamps and the Manual here in this post. Perfect description! And your leading edge improvements work well. Thank you, Tobi

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