Cutting Rigging Wire

[Steve]

Whats the best way to make a clean cut through stainless standing rigging wire? I might have to shorten my headstay about 1/2inch.Steve

 

[Jay Hill]

Can you take it off the boat?

If so, a band saw is the number one choice. If not, Dremmel tool with 30K RPM cutting wheel is next best ($50 and 30 seconds), then hack saw ($6 and 15 minutes), then bolt cutters ($18 and 10 seconds but requires trimming of cable).

 

[Russ King]

Maybe it's time to replace it...

I read somewhere that standing rigging should be replaced every 7 years or less, depending on temps, salt, etc. etc.It's hard to tell what shape the rigging is in, just by looking. West Marine sells a liquid that changes colour if your rigging is worn/corroded. Might be worth checking out.New rigging is a lot cheaper than a new mast.

 

[Gregory Stebbins]

Replace

Steve,I'd go ahead and replace the forestay. It's not much more than $30 or less. West Marine is a place to start.Greg

 

[Dave Oberholtzer]

moto tool

I find on of the most usefull cutting tools is a dremil moto tool with a fiberglass impregnated cutting disc. It will cut almost anything and is great for metal and fiberglass. The disc is also small enough (about 1 inch in diameter) where you can be really accurate. Make sure you get the discs with fiberglass in them because if you get the ones that do not the will break constantly and add much fustration. the discs are cheap to (5 or 6 bucks for about 10) I consider it one of those must have tools which you do not use all the time but when you need it it works great.Dave Oberholtzer"Hydrotherapy"

 

[Wanderer138]

If you use the bolt cutters...

...wrap the spot where you want to cut the wire rigging with a few turns of black electrical tape first. Then cut through the tape and the wire. The tape keeps the wire strands in place so they can't shift under the pressure of the cutter jaws, and you will get a much cleaner cut. The tape also keeps the cut ends from fraying open like a broom after the cut (less likely to get scratched or poked by a stray strand). Good luck.Peters/v Raven