The secret to installing a bladder?

Anthony · Since 07 Oct 2008 362 Posts Salem Obsessed **CGKA Member**

I am repairing a kite a bought a while back. I pulled the bladder then patched the bladder and leading edge. The bladder is a custom made orange stick for Slingshot T3 14 m. I have reviewed you-tube videos for bladder repair and installation. I have installed the tube twice with twisting. First time only pulled from LE ends, second time had line for end and each outer valves. I am folding and pulling in bladder as shown on videos. I am going to try one more time, with talc-ing the hell out it. Any suggestions?

Thanks
Anthony

Sella · Mon Jul 02, 12 10:06 am

Biggest pain in the ass to do....just be patient and go slow. I've had luck with twisting by slightly pre-inflating before you pull it through to give it a little form/shape. I've also pumped slightly after install and held the kite up on end and shook it to try and smooth out. Having another person helps too. One pulling and the other feeding slowly. Talc is good. Good luck!

pjc · Since 06 Mar 2005 649 Posts Addicted

I believe the secret is to send that kite to Airtime in HR and let them install it.

That's how I handled my last couple. Money well spent IMHO. That shizzle is a PIA.

Jonpnw · Mon Jul 02, 12 2:03 pm

you got a line fished through the kite right? have someone help you pull the line as you gently feed the bladder.

talc powder is good. those orange crunchy ones are a b*tch. i ruined one just installing it. have airtime put it in.

Pepi · Mon Jul 02, 12 2:56 pm

I second and third the comments about sending it to Airtime.
They do it right, and there are no worries about if it was done right.

Other than that, the only other secret is a 12 pack of beer, advil and a lot of baby powder (baby powder is for the bladder, but since it is such a pain in the ass, you may need it for other personal symptoms Shocked

)

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1865 Posts XTreme Poster

Second wind. Soooooo worth it.

wylieflyote · Mon Jul 02, 12 4:53 pm

I had luck once with this technique: Take a black sharpie and put a black line straight along the length of the bladder. With this you can see through the LE fabric and tell if it's twisting while you are pulling.

knotwindy · Since 25 Sep 2011 615 Posts Addicted

i've had a much easier time since i stopped using a line to pull the bladder all the way through and got a small round piece of wood and taped the bladder to it and push the wood through and you can then feel if you are twisting it. you can also do it in a smaller area as you do not need to stretch the leading edge as you push the bladder through and you do not need a second person. try it and see if it easier for you, too.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1781 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed

Hi , 2cts more ,
I used the line tied to it for reinstall .Lay the bladder , deflated after repair , nicely folded in about three foot sections , so as to unroll smooth and flat while pulling it through . I give it quick yanks and then give it a shake too to keep it all loose and flat during installation .
I've only done it a few times to my own kites . I was taught this method on Maui by Mr. Action Todd Davis , thanks again Todd .
I got lucky I had no twists or the technique is a good one , or both . Very Happy

Nice to be self sufficient for some of the easier kite repairs , shortens the down time .
Good Luck
JackZ

SalmonSlayer · Since 27 Nov 2005 648 Posts Addicted **CGKA Member**

I use a long painters extension pole and stick it in the tip up to the center I duct tape the bladder to the end of the pole and pull it back through. The key is not to twist the pole as you are pulling it out. I draw a line down the length of the pole as a reference point I keep at 12 o'clock.

pjc · Since 06 Mar 2005 649 Posts Addicted

We're still trying to figure out the DIY technique?

I agree, some things you just need to do yourself. Not everything should be outsourced for convenience. Wiping your bum, for example, is something you probably want to take care of your own self, for as long as you can, even if you can afford to hire someone to handle it for you.

However, there are some things that are a pain in the arse. And, for a very small fee, they become a pain in someone else's arse.

Case in point - installing weirdly fragile air condom into a giant a$$ traction kite.

airtime, second wind, etc. Cool

beej · Since 16 Jul 2010 180 Posts Stoked

Considering my kite is a 2008, it doesn't seem worth it to take it to the professionals. Kinda like doing repairs on an old beater car.

So any advice for DIY is greatly appreciated here!

pjc · Since 06 Mar 2005 649 Posts Addicted

well, I doubt Airtime etc. will charge you a significant fee for the labor. It was cheap. Whatever, done hijacking, maybe Click and Clack will chime in with some key advice.

wylieflyote · Wed Jul 04, 12 12:49 pm

The one personal reason to DIY this small task is to perfect your skills for the time that will surely come should ever need to repair it alone in Mexico, Thailand, Brazil, etc, etc. Thank You all, I will take these pointers to S. Mexico this winter (especially the painters extension trick).
This is also the one compelling reason why I would prefer all my kites to be non-octopus inflation. Unfortunately everything I like is one-pump.

Anthony · Since 07 Oct 2008 362 Posts Salem Obsessed **CGKA Member**

I got it in.

The twisting was solved with a tool, I made with copper refrigerator tubing, plastic pipe and small elastic cord. You can make the kite installer for under $30. I will show later on this group the design and story.

What is the proper way to insert bladder back into wing tips? When the bladder is installed will stick out about a foot from wind tip. Being that it is sticking out so long what is the proper way to install / fold bladder back into wing tip so I do not get another blow out?

http://www.surfboardbuilding.com/tube.JPG