Skybolt introduces yet another innovation to make installing fasteners
easier and more efficient -
SK-RVC114 (14 sets) and SK-RVC119 (19 sets) Hole Finders.
As we begin to see more and more conversions from hinge to fasteners, including
builders removing previously installed hinge and installing the Skybolt
fastening system, hole finding becomes a challenge. Typically, on the initial
build, we have relied on the cowling skins being transparent (to some extent)
in order to drill the initial pilot holes at center. With the new push to
retrofit existing aircraft, we can no longer rely on transparency because of
paint. By modifying our current Cleko inserts to be used with the Skybolt
SK-RVFS1 Interlocking Flanges to accept a magnet, we can locate the center hole
quite accurately in all cowling skins with a small dowel pin. Our kits include
a limited number of the inserts to satisfy the Cleko requirement. (This is the
equivalent of a flange without the hole as stated in a previous post). The
complete sets adding a magnet and dowel pin however, answer the issues with
painted (opaque) cowling retrofits.
Per our installation instructions where we describe the SK-RVC1 Inserts as a
method to Cleko the cowling to the flanges before the receptacles are
installed, obviously for this to work, you have to drill a 1/8 inch hole in the
cowling. Using the inserts in the same manner, tape the inserts with the magnet
installed into the back of each flange. Set the upper or lower cowling into
position with a ratchet strap, then drop the dowel pin in the general vicinity
of each flange center hole. Drop it a few times to insure the pin centers at
the exact same spot. Drill a 1/8 inch pilot hole. Insert a Cleko (the magnet
will push away from the insert) and proceed to the next location.
SK-RVC114 Sets (14) are $33.46 (Fasteners not included) for RV4 and RV8
SK-RVC119 Sets (19) are $45.41 (Fasteners not included) for RV6 thru 10