mounting line clutches

Ron20324 · Jul 27, 2015

Machine screws. A theory is if you use fine threads, you'll get more threads in the mast, but corrosion will wear them away quicker. Coarse threads, and you get a better bite, but not as many threads. Are you putting these on opposite sides of the mast, and could through-bolt from one to the other?

John Nantz · Jul 27, 2015

Anti-galling compound

As an add-on, (even though it wasn’t asked in the question) when stainless steel screws are put into aluminum it’s always a good idea to put some anti seize compound on them. I’ve had a container of LanoCote for years as a little bit goes a long way.

http://www.forespar.com/products/boat-lubricant-lanocote.shtml

John Nantz · Jul 29, 2015

Oops …..

gettinthere said:
John, that was what my last sentence regarding tef-gel addressed.
And forespar now sells a very similar 'teff' product

‘scuse me! Guess I read that too fast and didn’t catch it.

Thanks for the heads up about ‘teff’ - didn’t know about that. The LanoCote I’ve had for years, though, and don’t know if I’ll ever use it all up.

There’s nothing worse that a stainless fastener that is galled up in aluminum!

All U Get · Jul 30, 2015

gettinthere said:
Happened to have a chat with a rigger this PM. Told to use 1/4 20 standard thread screws and not fine threads on aluminum

I had removed a clutch from my mast and after 30 years it came off with a few taps using a hand impact driver.

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1178686&highlight=spinlock

Mine were Phillips flatheads with I believe coarse thread. I could check this weekend since its on the boat and I haven't mounted it to the mast yet. I mounted my vang (helped by a well-known forum moderator) with fine threads I believe. The trick was to turn the tap slowly and remove the shavings with a vacuum at every half turn.

I'll help the next owner of our boat by using Tef-gel.

All U Get