C27 spreader caps

[Joel H.]

I'm overhauling my mast this winter, (new everything more or less).
I was stripping off the chafing cover/ball of tape the P.O. had on the spreaders and found that the spreader end caps, (that the shroud pass over/through), were dislodged and about 2/3rds of the way out of the spreader tube! Yikes!
After knocking them the rest of the way out and brushing off the oxidation I found that I can install/remove them from the spreader tube by hand.
This doesn't seem right.
Shouldn't they at least be a press-fit?
Thanks in advance for any replies,
Joel H.

 

[Buzzlovelace]

Hey Joel, I just did mine. Got em' from WM Medium size plartic. they are like a "T" with a split so they open up, Also available in leather in stock.( I didnt like the looks) Put em on use some sail tape and away you go. If you have time and are comfortable wrap it with thin line or floss. Also a good time to do your motor light bulb

 

[Joel H.]

Update:
Just for the record. Kent at Catalina Yachts indicated the thing to do was to re-bed the aluminum spreader caps with 3M 4200.