With Polyfiber covering do you have to attach fabric to metal ribs with pulled rivet or can you stich them with nylon string (knowing that aluminium ribs will act as scissors)? I thought about ACA Scout ribs. (It is for a LSA STOL homebuilt).
I looked closely to
https://backcountrypilot.org/forum/7gcb ... uild-15178
and didn't see pulled rivets;

Thanks for answering.

Lots of tied wings with aluminum ribs and no issues.
DENNY

Thanks for posting Denny, will deburr flanges edges and use anti-chafe tape.
Good info at
https://www.kingaeroaviation.com/ama_Ch03.pdf

If using Poly-Fiber, you should have their Procedure Manual (latest edition) "How to Cover an Aircraft using the Poly-Fiber System". It may be available for download on their website (Consolidated Aircraft Coatings). CAC also manufactures the tried-and-true Randolph line of aircraft coatings. Most of your questions will be answered in the manual, it not, Greg at CAC has a wealth of technical knowledge on both of these systems and is available to answer your questions reference the correct use of their products. CAC 800 362-3490

TR

I've tied lots too. But riveting is so much easier and faster. If using scout ribs, they will be drilled for rivets already, as all ACA products come with rivets from the factory. Personally, I'd go rivets if I had the choice.

This is perhaps a stupid question but how do you spot holes with fabric and anti-chafe tape ?
There is only one answer measuring I guess (and spotting with a thin needle) ...tedious but much less than stiching; With one rib going in parallel with other ribs (rectangular wing).

From my Polyfiber manual:



Takeaways:

1. The rivets are special for fabric, having a broad head.

2. Someday someone will have to drill them out

3. They mention “fabric clips” which looks pretty convenient but once again, the next guy could destroy the rib if he doesn’t know that’s what was used and tears the fabric away forcefully.

4. I’ve stripped the heads of too many seized PK screws to willingly use them this way.

Pyrennees01 wrote:This is perhaps a stupid question but how do you spot holes with fabric and anti-chafe tape ?
There is only one answer measuring I guess (and spotting with a thin needle) ...tedious but much less than stiching; With one rib going in parallel with other ribs (rectangular wing).

Shine a bright light up form the bottom and they are quite easy to see. then I just use my solder iron to melt the holes for the rivets. You can source the 3/8" head rivets from most good hardware stores.
Zzz, drilling the rivets really isn't that hard. Done lots of them. the entire process is still less work then rib stitching in my opinion.

I like to rib stitch piper and Dakota Cub ribs. Fabric rivets for Univair ribs.