Is rigging tape evil?

[Project_Mayhem]

Does rigging tape encourage crevice corrosion by potentially trapping moisture?

 

[dlochner]

Interesting question. It depends on how and where it is applied. The most common use is to wrap turnbuckles to cover cotter pin tails. Since turnbuckles are typically chromed bronze crevice corrosion is not an issue. The tape is often open at the top and bottom so air can flow freely.

The residual adhesive is sometimes an aesthetic issue.

 

[kappykaplan]

The tape is often open at the top and bottom so air can flow freely.

 

[jssailem]

tape is often open at the top and bottom so air can flow freely.

 

[DArcy]

I use rigging tape to hold the spreader boots in place over the shrouds. I have not noticed any corrosion but I have only visually inspected. Come to think of it, I just wrap the boot, not the shroud.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

On trailerable sailboats, I used rigging tape as well as white 3M electrical tape on the turnbuckles. First you want the turnbuckle body left open on both top and bottom to allow air flow to dry out any moisture and not trap water either. I then added turnbuckle boot covers but never tape them to the shrouds as they are designed to turn if
Sails or lines brush against them

 

[dLj]

Does rigging tape encourage crevice corrosion by potentially trapping moisture?

I just replaced my lifelines and the attachment ends had been covered in rigging tape for many years (possibly 20 years?).

I did not observe any concern along the lines of your inquiry.

dj

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I found a cotter ring that was ready to fall out during my annual mast inspection. Knowing how rigging tape can reduce the chance of a pin falling out, I wrapped the tang and the pin. That's when it dawned on me that there's a possibility of crevice corrosion on the wrapped tang

 

[PaulK]

Using this velcroed cotter pin avoids the problem:Johnson Velcro Wrap Cotter Pins
If you find them too pricey it is relatively simple to make your own with cotter pins and a roll of velcro tape.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Using this velcroed cotter pin avoids the problem:Johnson Velcro Wrap Cotter Pins
If you find them too pricey it is relatively simple to make your own with cotter pins and a roll of velcro tape.

They're pretty much limited to turnbuckles unfortunately. I should pick up some decent stainless cotter pins. When done correctly, they almost never come out