I need to get some tie downs built. I'm wondering what configuration folks have found the best for the outback. I see systems that look like overgrown dog corkscrews, a single hub with three stakes through it, a claw like gizmo that works with stakes, and a simple chain with three stakes through the links. What really works? I could build any of these, but I'd like to hear from folks that really use them in windy off paved conditions.

thanks,
tom pettit

I have a set of the Claw. Haven't used them much, at least not in big winds. I'm told (and the instructions are clear on this, if you read them) that they have to be right under the tiedown rings to work right.

I've ordered a set of the Fly-Ties as well. I'm hoping, if I can borrow a strain gauge, to do a pull test on both sets.

According to some folks, there were some failures of the Claw at Sentimental Journey, where they had huge winds, and rain. I suspect that wet ground isn't going to hold as well as dry either, and ever type of ground is going to be different.

I carry a set of Duckbill Earth Anchors with me when I travel. These require a drive rod (piece of rebar works fine) and a serious hammer or hatchet to put them in, but they work. I use them as permanent tiedowns nad have for years. Unfortunately, if you want to get them out, you'll have to dig them out, which might not make you popular with the Poberezny's, if you use em at OSH. The guy with the lawn mower wouldn't like you much either.

On the other hand, losing your plane isn't such a sweet deal either.

Any of the other screw type anchors are, to me, either a huge pain in the arse, or good only for tying out your Bichon Friese.

MTV

Have done the same with a steel ring and re-bar but the fly tie looks pretty good. Found the website. http://www.flyties.com/airplanes.htm

Tim

I've been using Flyties for the past 6 or 7 years. They've worked well in soft wet ground as well as rock hard Alabama clay. I once lost my tent to a thunderstorm but the plane didn't move.

I have a set of "The Claw". And I cannot get them to budge once in the ground.

Last summer at Oshkosh a squall line came through but the bird did not budge.

Sod was pretty firm, so I cannot say about sand or loose soil.

The theory on the Claw is about the same as Fly ties; three long spikes driven in at angles to each other so a pull in any single direction will only align with one of the spikes.

I remember there being a website with drawings on how to make your own fly tie type rig.

TD

I knew I saw this somewhere:

http://www.vintageaircraft.org/magazine ... iedown.pdf

For those who want to roll their own.

TD

I usually use big chunks of driftwood or wrap the rope around the base of alder clumps.

Shane

I use Concrete form stakes avaiable from Lowes or Home depot -or other
home improvement stores. Usually about a buck a piece .Flat about 1 1/2 wide -1/4 inch thick and about foot long. Drill hole in top end and stick in one of those caribeeners for some place to hook your rope. Drive the stakes in at about 30 degrees outfrom base and hook up your ropes or chains. Use 1/2 inch rope and total investment is under 20 bucks. I usually paint them yellow to make them stand out some-maybe get some of that "engineering tape -reflective " to make them easier to see.Works for me. Bill Reid