Any thoughts on why this is corroding?
- Thread starter yelkenli
- Start date
Wrong type of wire... Never seen a turnbuckle locked like that.... use monel wire or 316 tig welding rod.
We're the threads lubricated before fitting the turnbuckle?
We're the threads lubricated before fitting the turnbuckle?
That works, except the OP is on freshwater.
SS is still an iron product and I believe there can be residual iron on the surface of the SS that will rust. 18-8 and 304 can exhibit this. I'm sure a metallurgist could provide a much more in-depth explanation.
Not all SS rigging is 316. On freshwater boats 304 is often used which is more prone to showing rust stains.
Remove the wire and use split rings or cutter pins and wrap with tape or put canvas around it.
It maybe stainless-steel safety wire, just not a high grade of stainless steel.
I'm trying to figure out the safety wire routing and I am baffled. It would certainly do the job but so would a simple loop or even a figure eight on each of the studs. I must be missing something.
I'm trying to figure out the safety wire routing and I am baffled. It would certainly do the job but so would a simple loop or even a figure eight on each of the studs. I must be missing something.
The Catalina web site says the threads inside the turnbuckle are bronze to prevent seizing. They are chromed for appearance. The corrosion is at the first coupling after the stud leaves the bronze threads.
Common and harmless.
Common and harmless.
In my 40 plus years of sailboat ownership I've never had a turnbuckle unscrew itself. The wire is overkill, unnecessary and could be dangerous unless wrapped with tape. Cotter rings (or split rings) are the more common method. Cotter pins are also common, just make sure you only bend ONE leg back at 45 deg so it's easy to remove, then wrap with tape so sails and ankles aren't scratched.
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jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,393
The safety wire approach is a bit overkill. In 2015 this question was asked and answered.
Securing turnbuckles
I have use cotter pins and split rins to make sure my turnbuckles don't turn once the rig is turned. It seems to me wire ties would the job with less hassle. Thoughts?
forums.sailboatowners.com
Wish I could say the same. I was on a sail boat delivery where we almost lost the mast because there were no cotter pins in one of the turn buckles. When I inspected that turn buckle had almost totally backed out...
dj
The boat had cotter pins originally. It was a PITA to get them removed (for boat hauling). They bent and there is little room to install or remove. I'll never use cotter pins again. Mechanics wire is too easy and does the trick. Run the wire through one hole and down to the other then twist. I believe I found the idea on this forum.
Also, @Joe I don't see the safety issue compared to a pin. Both are metal and both have ends. The end of the wire is tucked away easily inside the turnbuckle and none of it moves (probably the same could be done for cotter pins). Tape could be good, but tape also covers up issues and traps moisture.
Maybe a ring would work, but I don't see a ring or a pin stopping the turning. If turnbuckles don't ever turn, then why bother with a safety mechanism. They can turn, that is why. Always place your bets in the right games.
Looks like galvanized wire to me. Has that dull gray lumpy look.
I'm wondering then, why so many sailboats have NOT lost their rigging, since 95% use cotter pins or rings... or those little velcro things. Try turning the turnbuckle with a ring or pin still installed btw.
A cotter pin is super easy to remove if you just bend one leg no more than 90 deg (45-90) and use a pair of pliers or a cotter pin tool, which is like a screwdriver with a pointed end bent at a right angle to snag the pin and. Available in any hardware store.
Rigging tape is often used to wrap the area of the turnbuckle housing the cotter pin,,,, simply as a precaution to prevent a wayward pin from scratching a sail, since they are often in close proximity to the rigging. As long as only a small area of the turnbuckle is wrapped, no water is trapped....but water can be devious,,,,, so that's why you inspect your rigging on a regular basis,,, surely at the beginning of each sail.
Cotter rings take a little more time to open, but they are reusuable, and don't scratch anything so taping isn't really necessary. Oh, and the ring is wide enough to prevent the stud from making more than 1/4 turn plus there are usually two (top/bottom...even less)
If you're dead set on wire, then use Monel seizing wire.. the kind you use on your anchor shackle. But truthfully, it's a pain... and you'll see what I mean once you start using it. Go with the rings.... easy peasy.
The whole point is that you want to make your turnbuckles easy to adjust...because rigging will come out of adjustment, cotter pins, seizing wire, rings whatever. Btw if you have a boat that requires slacking the rigging on a regular basis...trailering, going under bridges etc.. there are alternatives to turnbuckles that are much friendlier to operate. Google "shroud adjusters" for examples.
Okey Doke, good luck, watch your fingers.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,393
Too many owners want to save and reuse the cotter pin, which is a disposable item. Nip the bent end off, grab the other end with pliers, and pull it free. Toss it in the garbage, set the turnbuckle, install a new cotter pin, bend one leg, tape the pin and turnbuckle, and then go sailing.
Ive seen too many rings deform or be on the virge of falling out. I love them but they simply arent as reliable as other methods
Timely.
I have split pins securing the turnbuckles.
They were /are wrapped with nice white electrical tape.
I read on the almighty internet that the absence of oxygen can cause corrosion, so I removed the tape.
Pulled the gennaker in on a windy day last week and it found that 1/32nd of protruding pin.
The electrical tape is back on and now I have to look at this.
Lesson is , USE RINGS and don't believe everything on the net.
gary
I have split pins securing the turnbuckles.
They were /are wrapped with nice white electrical tape.
I read on the almighty internet that the absence of oxygen can cause corrosion, so I removed the tape.
Pulled the gennaker in on a windy day last week and it found that 1/32nd of protruding pin.
The electrical tape is back on and now I have to look at this.
Lesson is , USE RINGS and don't believe everything on the net.
gary
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