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Parachute Rigger Handbook

FAA-H-8083-17A Version 2015 (Change 1)
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Chapter 6

Hand Tools, Sewing Machines, and the Parachute Loft

Figure 6-33. Rubber bands with Tube Stoes.
Figure 6-33. Rubber bands with Tube Stoes.

Hand tacking needles—variety of sizes of straight and curved needles used for general sewing are necessary for every tool kit. [Figure 6-34]

Figure 6-34. Hand tacking needles.
Figure 6-34. Hand tacking needles.

Straight and T pins—used when doing canopy patches to pin the fabric together. The T pins are used for heavier duty work, such as container repair. [Figure 6-35]

Figure 6-35. Straight and T pins.
Figure 6-35. Straight and T pins.

Navy end tab—used for assisting in hand tacking thick materials. This is a container end tab from a United States Navy seat pack modified with a “dimple.” The dimple allows the needle to be pushed through the material, and the holes in the tab allow gripping the needle to pull it through. [Figure 6-36]

Waxed nylon “supertack”—used for hand tacking requirements because it has superior knot holding properties. It is a waxed, flat, braided nylon cord that serves as a modern replacement for 6-cord nylon. Typically 80 – 90 pounds tensile strength, a 50-pound version is also available. This cord is available in black and white. [Figure 6-37]

Figure 6-36. Navy end tab.
Figure 6-36. Navy end tab.
Figure 6-38. 3-cord cotton thread–waxed.
Figure 6-38. 3-cord cotton thread–waxed.
Figure 6-37. Waxed nylon “supertack.”
Figure 6-37. Waxed nylon “supertack.”
Figure 6-39. Tape measure.
Figure 6-39. Tape measure.

3-cord cotton thread–waxed—used for hand tacking and break tacking on the risers and connector links of emergency parachutes. Its tensile strength is 16 pounds. The color is usually natural. [Figure 6-38]

Tape measure—used for general measurement of items such as suspension lines and bridles. A good quality tape measure at least 25 feet long is necessary. A quality fabric tape measure is also necessary. If possible, get one with dual measurements (English/metric). [Figure 6-39]

Shoulder strap hook—packing assist device used to apply tension to the pull-up cord using upper-body strength thereby freeing both hands to pin the container. This strap can be built by the rigger. [Figure 6-40]

Pony clamps—used for clamping material to hold it as a third hand. Also used as a packing assistant when packing square reserves. These do come in handy, although not used by all riggers. [Figure 6-41]

6-inch adjustable wrench—used for tightening Rapide® links and other jobs. A good adjustable wrench serves in place of several different sized wrenches. A 4-inch adjustable wrench is very handy as it takes up less room in the rigger kit bag. [Figure 6-42]

Figure 6-40. Shoulder strap hook.
Figure 6-40. Shoulder strap hook.
Figure 6-41. Pony clamps.
Figure 6-41. Pony clamps.
Figure 6-42. 6-inch adjustable wrench.
Figure 6-42. 6-inch adjustable wrench.

Screwdriver–multi-tip—used for L-bar connector links and general use. A good quality screwdriver with interchangeable tips is the most versatile model. Good quality cannot be stressed enough. If the tip of the screwdriver does not fit the slot in the screw of a L-bar connector properly, it can slip out and can cause damage to the screw head or injury to the rigger. [Figure 6-43]