Restoring shroud threads

[tom.watson]

I am replacing closed turnbuckles on a 77 Catalina 30 and hoping not to replace the shrouds, which look in good shape. Ordered one new open body turnbuckle from Catalina Direct to see if I had the right size and it looks like the right thread since it fits two of my four shrouds ends. Assuming I have the right turnbuckle and that two of my shroud threads are off due to age, is it safe to use a thread restore tool on the problem shrouds or do I need to open my wallet?

 

[Dean5735]

Not sure what you mean.

What do you mean: "2 of my shroud threads are gone". Just a liitle of the ends? Rusty?Gouged threads?Stripped?

 

[Alchemist]

Remember, turnbuckles have right hand threads on one end and left handed threads on the other. That's how they tighten and loosen when you turn the turnbuckle.

Make sure that you are not trying to put the turnbuckles and studs together backwards. It is possible that both the studs on your shrouds and the stud on the toggle that came with the turnbuckle are both either RHT or LHT in which case it will seem that one of the sets is buggered. If that is the case, you will need to use the old toggles too.

Steve
Alchemist C-380

 

[tom.watson]

hmmmm

OK. I have to dig into some snow to check. Nothing is missing. I just thought my stud threads on the end of two lower shrouds might have been altered by age and tension cause I tried new buckle and it went on tow of them just fine, but not the others. Don't think I tried wrong end, but will try again. Thanks.

 

[tom.watson]

Not crazy

OK, so I had the buckles facing the right way. I can get the new ones on two existing shrouds with no problem. Looks like slightly damaged threads on other two. Gonna try some cleaning and turnbuckle lube, then a die to restore thread if needed, unless anyone thinks that poses some risk to integrity.