Aircraft tie downs - Big Screw Aircraft Tie-Down

[Neal]

There are various brands out there for aircraft tie downs, the two we hear most about are "the claw" and "flyties". When I got my plane I chose "the claw" but have yet to use them. While at EAA AirVenture this year (2023) I noticed something new being used which I thought were something just provided by Oshkosh but no, they are a product I saw in their booth and it's another type of tie down. They really caught my attention and after speaking with the rep and agreeing with his presentation, I bought a set (without straps). As I have Tie Boss straps, which I really like, I didn't need additional straps. And my claw kit probably has straps too if I needed something different.

The new product that I purchased is "Big Screw Aircraft Tie-Down"

Big Screw Aircraft Tie-Down – The easiest and strongest aircraft tie-down system.

bigscrewtiedown.com

They are light and can be put into the ground with a socket wrench, same size as your oil filter uses, 1 inch. He also includes an impact socket so you can carry an electric socket wrench if you choose, as demonstrated in his video below but I'm skeptical about the weight so for now I'll see how just carry a socket works out.

 

[ve6yeq]

I also carry a set of the "Big Screw Aircraft Tie-Downs" and a 1" socket in the Cub, which I have not had to use yet. The included straps are heavy, and I already carry a 65m rope and 6 locking carabiners, so I can use them instead of dedicated straps.

 

[Waldom]

I have used 'The Claw" tie down system in a variety of soil conditions for several years and am satisfied with them. The most extreme conditions experienced with them has been in sandy, wet soil with wind gusts over forty knots. I was frankly surprised that they held without any yield.

"The Big Screw" type looks like they would have superior holding capacity in any soil condition. The deal breaker on them for me is that I would not carry the weight and bulk of an impact wrench in our PA-11. You might be able to use a 1/2 inch drive ratchet wrench but that would not allow the downward pressure this device obviously needs while installing them.

I prefer simple ropes over ratchet straps for tie downs. They are lighter and have less packing bulk. In my opinion, they don't take much more time to use as well as having fewer failure points. Incidentally, "The Claw" kit comes with ropes, not straps.

 

[Neal]

Yeah, the impact wrench, which I have, is heavy and least desired. I have a socket wrench in the bag with the screw tie downs.

 

[Neal]

I have these tie boss tie downs. Work great and are very light:

3/8" Tie Boss - 15' Rope | Multi-Use Tie Down & Hoist | USA

Shop the ⅜” Tie Boss with 15' rope for efficient tie-down and lifting solutions. Easy one-hand lock and release, 300 lbs load capacity, and durable construction. Made in the USA.

tieboss.com