The Link.

This video is dealing with the part that connects your risers to your suspension lines,
the Hard and the Soft Link.
How to fit them and How not to fit them,
some things you may not know about, covers, etc.

[@randallk4800]

Very interesting and informative video, Colin -- even for non-riggers! Now when I inspect my rig, I'll know what to look for!

[@thomson1963]

Thank you Randall, I'm happy you found it useful, I didn't put them up for riggers, (most riggers already know everything :) I hope you find the other videos interesting as well, at the moment there are ten out there, (non pharmacological intervention for insomnia)

[@maheshbirajdar4691]

Awesome! Can I come and apprentice with you?

[@skydive_rizos]

Once again, great video!, one question... does all this apply the same way to reserves? can you still use hard links on reserves? I remember a friday freakout 4 years ago with a malfunction on a reserve with a hard link failing...

[@thomson1963]

Thank you Daniel, I’m grateful you had a look and for your question. Yes, a Link is a Link whether it attaches you to your main or reserve, Sizes tend to be a wee bit larger on the reserve, the Ty7, Ty8 or Ty13 webbing typically used fit reserve risers will not be happy with a size 3.5 Maillon Rapide (from Peguet) (certified for PPE) The size 4 or 5 were the normal ones most manufacture supplied with their reserve canopies, (occasionally size 6) With no LinkCover there is a chance a line or two could get itself to the other side of the link nut, best to be avoided. In my younger days, I used safety thread past though one line end loop and then wrapped around the rest of the lines on the link, this would keep the lines together nicely but not protect them from slider grommet impacting the link with the poor line in-between. For that reason I now fit LinkCovers to all Maillon Rapide on sport parachutes. Link Failed or Human Failed ? Links can work loos if they have high cycles (hopefully only seen on main canopy) and no periodic inspection is made. In my opinion links come loos on a reserve because they were never tightened in the first place(see link, Photo below) There a several reports of SoftLinks Failing as well, in my workshop I frequently find SoftLinks incorrectly fitted, in combination with a Lower Control Line snagging on it or a hand pulling on a riser in the final turn, there’s a chance the SoftLink will open up. SoftLinks are not any better/stronger than Maillon Rapide, (The profit margin is better on a SoftLink) No need for LinkCovers or Safety thread wrapped around the lines, see photo of poor technique on the reserve. I always tack the Softlink into the riser. The photo of the ControlLine making a couplet loop around the Aft Rh line group, arrived in my workshop a year ago, it was assembled at the Manufacturer and had a second repack by one of their top representatives six months later, its a 106 so may have been a challenge to fly straight had it been used like this. We must attempt to be concentrating on what we are doing, more difficult with all the distraction we allow ourselves. Link Failed ? Yes the Human Link ! All the best, Colin. drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZUq8ZkoztNILJKhjSZfioxNVVEJbkcmS?usp=sharing

[@MrJkd2013]

your videos are the most interesting thing on KZbin ,thanks so much for the information and entertainment .i wish i was little younger and could be apprenticed by you . Thanks again .

[@thomson1963]

You are very welcome J DOG, I'm happy you find them interesting.

[@MextremeMx]

Thanks, can I have your e mail?

[@thomson1963]

You are very welcome MeXtreme Skydiving, Thank you for watching. Just give me your email and I shall reply as soon as I have a chance. Wish you all the best.

Colin, thank you soooo much for your efforts and making up this very informative video on the topic! I myself into paragliding, but the very same tech used connecting the risers with the lines to the canopy! Wish you great day! Adrian

[@FedericoF]

Hi Colin for this New Instruction al video.....As other your videoS ,it is vero simile tuo understand,a lot of information about “rig“ easy ti understad

[@cyfraplus]

Great video! Please keep them coming!!! :-)

[@brittaklose6960]

Good job Colin!👍

[@thomson1963]

Thank you Britta, you're very kink. PinkPower to you.

[@vladimirlevkov3384]

Thank you for posting these very informative videos! I was wondering why did you secure the soft link with the metal ring through both sides of the riser fabric, but you secured the PD SLink through one side of the riser only?

[@thomson1963]

Hello Vladimir, Thank you for watching and for your question. The SLink from PD has that tag of 1/4"Ty3 tape for the "ID", it seems to work well as an anchor point for the tacking cord, so I use it, if its there. For SoftLinks with a Ring or a folded tape with no wee 1/4"loop tag, it just seams simpler to have the Tacking cord loop around the folded tape or through the Ring. The stitch is not very tight, I like to allow for a bit of a breathing space, they appear to sit happily in the middle of the riser. (no need to stress the riser more than necessary) The Red Tubular Sacrificial Covers are stitched quite tight. For a few jumpers, who swop Sliders from RDS too Regular frequently, it's a hassle if the SoftLink is Tacked, so for them I machine stitch a "U"shape to the riser, creating a wee pouch for the Ring or Tag to hide inside, just enough room to assemble and disassembled. (made easer with long nose pliers) Hope that makes more sense now. All the best, Colin.

[@FlyingMaori]

Great video, thanks for your efforts

[@mgphotography3074]

Great informative video again. Thanks Colin !

[@thomson1963]

Thank you for watching MG. glade you like it. All the best, Colin.

[@mncrob]

Is it possible to have a video discussing lines please Colin.

[@thomson1963]

Thanks for your comment microbe. There will be several on the subject of lines, just as soon as I can overpower one of my Superpowers, the mighty procrastination. MicroLine is suppose to be ready soon, if I can stick to my plan. ):)

[@mncrob]

@@thomson1963 i look forward to it, will have to arrange a trip to see you after this virus, we normally go to seville but a change would be nice