Ever had a problem with twisting bladders when refitting??

Sometimes I get it first shot , mostly it takes 6-7 shots.

Today I figured out the trick.
I've tried many methods like broom handles , the ol card board in diff shapes. But today I finally figured it out.

Normally I just pull from the wingtip, and as the LE is wrinkled and pulled together I straighten it out and hope for the best.

It doesn't work....... It can work..... But it isn't consistent.

Next time, grab your string from the first LE valve hole, and pull the bladder from there. This keeps the kite flat and you don't get the wrinkling and twisting.
Once the bladder is at the valve poke the strike g back into the LE and go to the next valve hole. Repeat until bladder is at the wingtip.

My theory is that its not the bladder twisting, its actually the LE that twist around the bladder when its pulls together/wrinkles.

Try it!
See what happens!

First shot and all my valves were poking out of the holes perfectly. I'd only just got the bladder to the wingtip and thought I'd check where the strut valves were and 'boom'.... They're all poking out the holes!!

You all owe me a beer!!

Also, sprinkle talcum powder on the bladder before inserting it. it helps both the insertion and getting the twist out.

Jeremy

okay so I take it you have string attached to every valve before you poke it through to remove the main bladder...leaving it there to pull through each one?

Not a bad idea, maybe a tad unnecessary :)

Buy yourselves one of these - http://www.agmelectrical.com.au/conduit-fittings-and-accessories-en/pull-through-springs/repelec-4m-fish-rod.html should never get a twist again. Just mark which side is up for when you pull it out the tip.

We really should make a video of this, winter project

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eppo said...
okay so I take it you have string attached to every valve before you poke it through to remove the main bladder...leaving it there to pull through each one?

No you d***
Just put your finger in the valve hole and pull it out. The string will be a big loop coming outta the valve hole, but when you move to the next valve hole pull up the slack.

A line from every valve hole???
What drugs are you taking??
Its about making it less complicated!!

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Ragzilla said...

eppo said...
okay so I take it you have string attached to every valve before you poke it through to remove the main bladder...leaving it there to pull through each one?

No you d***
Just put your finger in the valve hole and pull it out. The string will be a big loop coming outta the valve hole, but when you move to the next valve hole pull up the slack.

A line from every valve hole???
What drugs are you taking??
Its about making it less complicated!!

Did you just call eppo a ****ing dunt?!?

Ah my bad I get it now. Will give it a go next time.

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Ragzilla said..

Next time, grab your string from the first LE valve hole, and pull the bladder from there. This keeps the kite flat and you don't get the wrinkling and twisting.
Once the bladder is at the valve poke the strike g back into the LE and go to the next valve hole. Repeat until bladder is at the wingtip.

...

Try it!
See what happens!


You all owe me a beer!!

I owe you a beer! Brilliant man

I have done a few bladder repairs and never had a problem with a twisted bladder. Maybe you want to try having a few less drinks while doing your repair.

I used to do a lot of the bladder repairs when I worked at Kitepower, and never had a twisting issue after I worked out these few simple tricks.

DON'T use a string or kite line
Do use a piece of flat yellow tongue about 1.5-2M long.
Start on the side of the kite with the most valves and the inflate/deflate valves.
Tie the other end of the LE to the ground or a wall, whatever, but make sure it can't move as you pull the bladder in towards you.
Flatten the leading edge, seam to seam.
Lay out the repaired or new bladder so that it will feed in flat as you pull it in.
Mark which side is up, at the tip of the bladder.
Insert the flat yellow tongue in to the leading edge.
Attach the bladder to the end of the yellow tongue with packing tape or masking tape, don't overdo it, there is very little drag on the bladder if you set up the LE and Bladder first.
Go to the end of the yellow tongue inside the LE, hold it about 30-40cm back from the end, and at the end, push the lead fabric toward the other hand thats holding the yellow tongue, like you were inserting a cord back into your shorts/pyjamas. Repeat this action until the yellow tongue get to the bend in the LE at the tip, or is close to the tip, but you should be holding the yellow tongue flat at all times, never allow it to spin or twist, if you do start again.
At the corner in some kites just look at which way is up and proceed to move the yellow tongue and bladder through the LE to the tip.
If you have done this right, the side you marked as up, is facing up when you pull the bladder out of the tip, yes = GOOD, no = BAD and start again dumbass and stop drinking.
Once you have the tip out and have carefully removed the yellow tongue and made sure the bladder will not twist, insert it into the tip in whichever way your kite retains the bladder.
Go to the first one pup valve from the tip and carefully feel for it through the LE material, you can pretend its a real nipple if you like but don't get too excited, its just your kite. Poke you finger through the one pump hole and massage/move the valve until it pokes out, pull it into place and attach the one pump hose - no cable it or clip yet.
Repeat to all valves.
Gently inflate kite to about 50%, giving it a good shake as you do, then add another 20% of air, some deformations can be visible at this stage, but a complete twist will be very obvious, if you have one you let the yellow tongue move, but if you are sure you did not let the yellow tongue move, you will not have a twist.
Inflate kit to 100% stand back and tell yourself how awesome I am, thanks.

I hope the boys do make a video. We first saw this technique on a Cabrinha factory tour video back in 03 or something, then when I visited the Cab factory I saw the staff doing it for real, they get the bladders in the kite 1st time every time, no twists, and they can do a whole kites worth in a few minutes, the struts take seconds each!! Every Cab kite it test inflated, and I've seen Ozones are too. I've heard of bladders popping on brand new kites, but never from those 2 brands.