3-6
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: (407) 859-9317 Fax: (407) 850-6978 www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises Owner’s Manual. TNT System -
Rev. A 1/16
3.3.3.2 Ripcords, Housings and Cables
Cutaway, Reserve, and Drogue Ripcords:
Inspect cutaway handle for completeness of
stitching. Ensure stiffeners and plastics are not broken. Inspect hook and pile for loose or
missing stitches and debris. Inspect the ripcord cable for kinks, broken strands or rough areas.
Check the tip of the cable to insure that no metal cable strands have become exposed. Inspect
the reserve ripcord pin to ensure it is not bent. Check that the swages on the cutaway cable and
reserve cables are secure and in place. The most common fail spot is where the cable connects to
the swedge.
3-Ring Release:
Inspect the 400 lb red H.G. line for cuts and frays. Ensure all rings are securely
attached with no loose or missing stitching. Inspect rings to make sure all are free of dents,
rough edges, cracks and are proper shape (round). Check for proper routing of three ring release
system. Make sure to check both main risers and drogue riser.
Cable Housings:
Keep cables and housings clean: Pull the release cables out of the housings and
make sure there are no kinks or prominent curves in the cable. Pay particular attention where
the cable leaves the housing, as a bend or sharp curve may increase pull force as it feeds back
through the housing. If the cable shows signs of unraveling it should be replaced. Clean the
cables, the inside of the housings, and the braided cord loop on the riser which holds down the
small ring, then lubricate using any of the following:
i) White Lightning - described as a self-cleaning lubricant (www.whitelightningco.com). About
$7.00 a bottle from your local bicycle shop. We found it easiest to just squirt the lubricant into
the end of the (cleaned) cable housing since it dries completely. Both parts get lubricated with
one simple procedure. Be careful as it may stain fabric.
ii) SuperLube with Teflon - This is a spray that can be found at auto parts stores. Leaves a dry
film of Teflon. (Don’t lubricate the loop with Teflon Spray.)
iii) Silicon spray - Be sure to wipe off the wet silicon with a clean dry rag as this residue will
attract contaminant’s. (Don’t lubricate the loop with Silicon). All cable housings including the
small release cable housings should be inspected for damage. Check all tackings to insure they
are secure, replace tackings if loose.
3.3.3.3 Main Canopy
Risers:
Inspect the webbing at the 3-ring for signs of wear. Any wear at this location can lead to
riser failure. Inspect the stitching on the complete riser for unraveling. Inspect the #6 Rapide
Links for cracks and tightness. Ensure bumpers are not cracked or worn, and that hand tack
is in place and secure. Grommets and rings should be secured with no rough edges. Inspect the
stainless steel snap shackle (Swedish link) to ensure it functions properly.
Lines:
Check for stretch or shrinkage. The tolerance for line length deviation is plus or minus
1-inch. Symptoms include slow openings and tension knots. Use line trim chart (Appendix A)
to check for deviations, re-trim if necessary. Inspect the lines for excessive wear and replace
if necessary. When looking at a frayed line that is questionable take into consideration that
tandem systems are subject to heavier loads than solo systems. Inspect the bartacks at the links,
at the cascades, and at the canopy attachment points.
