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Jack Pad
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 11:09 pm
by CBogle
Members:
Can anyone recommend a model and source for a jack pad that can be used on the main spring gear of the '48 Cessna 170 that won't scratch the paint off the gear leg when used for changing tires, etc.? The one used by the shop where I had my annual done last year scratched the paint so I'm going to buy my own if there is something out there that works better. I've seen a couple out there on E-bay and on some of the aviation supply sights, but, would like a recommendation on one that works well without messing up the paint.
Thanks,
Curt - N4288V
Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 12:08 am
by Bruce Fenstermacher
Curt
I made my own very similiar in design to to what I've seen others use as well as to what Cessna sold. This is probably what your shop used as well.
It consists of angles that match the shape of the gear leg tied together with an angle welded to the back to jack on. Jacking tightens the pad on the leg and I imagine also scratches it.
The difference with my design is that the distance between the angle brackets matching the gear leg are farther apart allowing me to insert a piece of carpet to protect the paint.
Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 12:16 am
by HA
I use a shop rag between the gear leg and my homemade pad, whatever you use the key is to not let the pad get jammed onto the leg so that you have to pound it off, that can scratch
Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 1:15 am
by N3243A
The weight of the aircraft effectively "jams" the jack pad onto the gear leg when I use one. I use a piece of thick leather to protect the gear leg from the jack pad. I still have to beat the jack pad off with a nylon hammer but it doesn't mess up the gear leg too bad with the leather in between.
Bruce
Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 2:25 am
by GAHorn
Another method is to simply take two pieces of plywood, one on top, one on bottom of the leg, clamp it with a large C-clamp...and using an ordinary hydraulic jack against the bottom of the "C", jack up the airplane. No damage to paint will occur if you clamp it tightly.
jack pad
Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 7:50 am
by yukontools
One way to look at it is the more paint scratched off the lighter the plane. I have Federal 2500 hydraulic wheel skis and the inside axle for the skis make for an excellent point to place a floor jack. As you raise the gear one can slide the floor jack accordingly to allow for the gear to come in.