I think i'm going to use seizing wire for my rigging turnbuckles instead of cotter pins. Ordering some from McMaster. Trying to decide diameter to get and am trying to remember what I ordered last time. I think it was 0.04". That sound about right? I was thinking 0.04 or 0.06".
0.04 or 0.06" seizing wire for turnbuckles?
- Thread starter BAD ORCA
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They have a multipurpose 400 nickel they describe as similar to Monel. My turnbuckles are bronze.
I use Wrap Pins. Quick and easy. No tools needed.
I use these available at defender.com. Not inexpensive but I get many years of use out of them. Beat me to it, DL.
C.S. Johnson Hook and Loop Locking Wrap Pin
C.S. Johnson Hook and Loop Locking Wrap Pin
Have you considered stainless split rings? They're inexpensive, simpler to use, and reusable. That's what I use.
www.marineoutfitters.ca
Hayn Circular Ring Pins - Marine Outfitters
Discover the best at Marine Outfitters at competitive prices
www.marineoutfitters.ca
I know that by definition sailors have deep pockets. But seriously, 20 bucks each? To each their own. YMMV.
That's ~$20 a pair. I cringed when I saw that figure too. With 8 tunbuckles, it was a lot of money. I purchased mined over time, by throwing a pair in the cart on any Defender order. I think it took about a year to get all that I needed. An extra $20 every now and then doesn't hurt as much.Since we take the mast down every year, eliminating the hassle of pulling cotter pins every year was worth it. Also, it is much easier to retune the mast midseason if needed.
I used .040 because that's what I had on hand. I feel it is too thin. I'm switching to rings or the wraps next year.
I think I bought my set in 2012 when we bought the boat as I had used them on my J24, quick and easy to remove and replace to tune the rig between races and the wrap covers the pin so no risk of fastener tears to the genoa! So, at today's price a set for the four shrouds is $72 bucks / 13 years amounts to $5.53 per year for all. And they are still usable! And any damage to a genoa from a cotter pin or ring would far exceed the cost of the protective wraps. Good value as I see it.
Split rings tend to catch on something (usually a sheet or furler line) and deform, then fall out. I view them as an unreliable method unless taped.Have you considered stainless split rings? They're inexpensive, simpler to use, and reusable. That's what I use.
Hayn Circular Ring Pins - Marine Outfitters
Discover the best at Marine Outfitters at competitive prices
[I use Wrap Pins. Quick and easy. No tools needed.]
For all of you who have already bought Wrap Pins don't read any further.....
For all you (frugal) DIYers, you can buy all the velcro and cotter pins you will need to make your own for 20 bucks.
Buy the right diameter cotter pins for your turnbuckles.
Cut to length so they just stick out the other side of the turnbuckle.
Cut a length of double sided velcro (we use 3/4 inch) that will wrap around your turnbuckle about one-and-a-half times.
Sew the cotter pin to the velcro in an appropriate spot with heavy thread.
Stick the pin through the turnbuckle hole and wrap velcro around an back on itself.
For all of you who have already bought Wrap Pins don't read any further.....
For all you (frugal) DIYers, you can buy all the velcro and cotter pins you will need to make your own for 20 bucks.
Buy the right diameter cotter pins for your turnbuckles.
Cut to length so they just stick out the other side of the turnbuckle.
Cut a length of double sided velcro (we use 3/4 inch) that will wrap around your turnbuckle about one-and-a-half times.
Sew the cotter pin to the velcro in an appropriate spot with heavy thread.
Stick the pin through the turnbuckle hole and wrap velcro around an back on itself.
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Curiously, I've been moving away from rings and towards wire over time. It seems easier to deal with and failures are less common IMe if done properly.
The only failures relate to tightening them by twisting. Wrong. That will break the wire. Pull snug, 2 wraps if there is room, and then twist 8 turns per inch under modest tension. Do NOT use the twisting process to tension the wire. Its purpose is only to hold the ends from slipping. Trim and tuck the end. This is how it is done on aircraft. 0.040 is plenty, monel if you can find it (more malleable). It will not break if properly installed. Over twisting is what causes the failures. The aircraft guys have literally written the book on safety wiring method. safety wire practice
The only failures relate to tightening them by twisting. Wrong. That will break the wire. Pull snug, 2 wraps if there is room, and then twist 8 turns per inch under modest tension. Do NOT use the twisting process to tension the wire. Its purpose is only to hold the ends from slipping. Trim and tuck the end. This is how it is done on aircraft. 0.040 is plenty, monel if you can find it (more malleable). It will not break if properly installed. Over twisting is what causes the failures. The aircraft guys have literally written the book on safety wiring method. safety wire practice
Interesting idea, but i have had bad experience with UV and velcro wraps for other stuff.
Not a fan. I have seen a few get all bent out of shape from random snags. I got a rope stuck on one on my friends boat, gave it a good tug not knowing what it was hung up on and deformed the ring pretty badly.Have you considered stainless split rings? They're inexpensive, simpler to use, and reusable. That's what I use.
Hayn Circular Ring Pins - Marine Outfitters
Discover the best at Marine Outfitters at competitive prices
Maybe they were just undersized though and larger diameter rings are much more durable? Seems like the seizing wire will be easier to tuck snugly to prevent any snags.
Thanks for the link. Yeah i find myself moving away from pins and rings as well. Im using wire a bit more now. I found a roll of .050" 316 stainless in my rigging bag, so am using that for now since I have it, but McMaster Carr has some nickel .060. Its $100 per spool though. Will grab a spool next time i order from them.Curiously, I've been moving away from rings and towards wire over time. It seems easier to deal with and failures are less common IMe if done properly.
The only failures relate to tightening them by twisting. Wrong. That will break the wire. Pull snug, 2 wraps if there is room, and then twist 8 turns per inch under modest tension. Do NOT use the twisting process to tension the wire. Its purpose is only to hold the ends from slipping. Trim and tuck the end. This is how it is done on aircraft. 0.040 is plenty, monel if you can find it (more malleable). It will not break if properly installed. Over twisting is what causes the failures. The aircraft guys have literally written the book on safety wiring method. safety wire practice
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,359
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
These must be UV tolerable as mine have lasted a very long time and are UV exposed 6 or more months of the year.
Color makes a big difference. White degrades quickly, whereas the UV is blocked by pigment from penetrating black or dark colors. Same with sails and lines. Black dock lines last longer, as do darker colored panels in sails.