I'm replacing the original adjustable backstay on a Cat 22 and I've encountered an issue I didn't expect due to my inexperience with cable work. When attempting to install the thimble and clamps on the ends of the wires (which are 1/8" 316 type), the threads of the cable separated from each other at the apex of the bend in a serious way, and it's damn near unworkable. Making an eye small enough to fit snugly to the thimble seems to be impossible without causing horrific distortion of the cable. Am I missing something?! Anyone have a good trick? I can order a smaller diameter that would be more flexible, but since the rest of the standing rigging is 1/8 I feel like I should stick with that.
Help with standing rigging please
- Thread starter Caroleena
- Start date
Yes, you are missing something- thimble and clamps is not the way to do this job. The trick is to use marine fittings made for the job. Either have the marine fittings swaged(crimped under great pressure) or use the DIY end fittings. West marine may have the proper rigger working in the store to do it.
I would get a larger diameter thimble and use the crimp type swage like those in the picture... The clamp style will offer many opportunities to snag on something... plus they look very UN Nautical.
This backstay is part of the Harken system for the C22 sold at catalinadirect. (it comes with boom pig tail attaché) Probably not exactly what you need but similar... I've embedded the link so you can see them all.
This backstay is part of the Harken system for the C22 sold at catalinadirect. (it comes with boom pig tail attaché) Probably not exactly what you need but similar... I've embedded the link so you can see them all.
Hi, welcome to SBO.
I assume you are using 1x19 s/s rigging wire and a Nicopress tool to make your new back stay. I have never experienced what you describe. I usually form a loop using one Nicopress fitting and slowly close the wire loop on the thimble. I have the fitting in the crimping tool while I'm doing this. Once the fitting is almost up to the thimble I do the first swage in the middle of the fitting, then do one more on each side. The fitting gets longer so account for that by not starting too close to the thimble. Then slide up the second fitting and swage it.
Is the rigging wire good quality ? It should not have a problem forming a loop on the correct sized thimble.
Post a picture if possible.
Good luck, Bob
I assume you are using 1x19 s/s rigging wire and a Nicopress tool to make your new back stay. I have never experienced what you describe. I usually form a loop using one Nicopress fitting and slowly close the wire loop on the thimble. I have the fitting in the crimping tool while I'm doing this. Once the fitting is almost up to the thimble I do the first swage in the middle of the fitting, then do one more on each side. The fitting gets longer so account for that by not starting too close to the thimble. Then slide up the second fitting and swage it.
Is the rigging wire good quality ? It should not have a problem forming a loop on the correct sized thimble.
Post a picture if possible.
Good luck, Bob
Thanks folks! The sleeves and crimping tool will probably make a world of difference. Good thing I ordered extra length so I can cut off the ends that I butchered.
Another thing......IF you are doing as I think....don't cut the wire short before you crimp. I would want a handful of wire on the shorter end, and then cut the tail off near the crimp.
A thought..
A thought..
If you're close to a West Marine store.... they have the swages and tools at a work bench in the sailing hardware department.... and... they encourage you to come in and use it... Check that out before you go spending money on a swage tool.
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