Builder Tip - Tailwheel Chains Adjustment

If you are using chains for your rudder to tailwheel linkages, this is a good way to adjust them so that you get a good and proper tension on both sides. This builder tip was given by Ron Sutton, RV4 builder and flyer.

When hooking up the two tailwheel chains, no matter how they fit, one side is loose and the other side is too tight. Add a link to the tight side to make both sides loose. Take an awl and push it into the round   part of each link and slightly spread the link apart. Do this to all the links until the slack is eliminated on both chains, and making it so that both chains don't exert any pressure on the return springs. Check the alignment of the rudder against the center line of the aircraft and the tailwheel itself. To fine tune the alignment, squeeze the links on the tight side, or spread the links on the loose side. This way you will have 100% travel of the rudder and the tailwheel in unison on the ground.

"Yaw String"