Securing standing rigging on a Hunter 22

[203]

The turnbuckles on my standing rigging have small ( too small IMO ) cotter keys in them to keep them from rotating. The keys are so small that the turnbuckles can turn anyway by bending over the head ...

So I want to change this. I have used both cotter pins and cotter rings in times past, and I prefer rings, but not sure I can get them in the smallish holes in the H22's turnbuckles.

I want to stop by the store and get something that will work for this weekend ( second regatta of the year ) but don't know what size to get.

So here's the question.. who on here keeps up with the size of their turnbuckle securing hardware?? And does everybody use cotter rings or cotter pins and why??

Thanks
Richard

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

203

The size of the hole varies as I noted in the past as a dealer. Although small, I would suggest that you measure that hole. Suggest stainless steel and yes I have seen many to put on non stainless only to rust out.

If using turnbuckle boot covers, no issue to cotter pins or rings. However, rings can will snag on any line that snags on it and comes out unless taped around the turnbuckle. Make sure you do not tape to trap water. As for cotter pins, sometimes they are too long and the ends have to be cut but take the ends and turn them into the turnbuckle body so again lines will not snag. Again suggest tape and also turnbuckle boot covers.

Many fail to check those from time to time and many times turnbuckles have come off and masts have fallen or lines/sails have snagged on both cotter pins and rings. A lot depends on how you prevent this from happening using tape and boot covers. The rest as to choice is really up to you but rings are a pain in the patoot trying to get them in the turnbuckle body.

crazy dave, Amercan Marine & Sail Supply, Inc. (territory included L. Norman

 

[SeaTR]

I use rings and turnbuckle boot covers. I do not have much trouble feeding the rings using needlenose pliers. I like cotter rings better than pins due to the anti-snag configuration without having to curl anything (pin use seems like more work to me). One just needs to ensure the correct diameter boot is installed to accomodate the size rings used...or... like Dave said above, tape 'em up.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

I use very long cotter keys that allow me to wrap the legs all the way around the turnbuckle and bend them back inside to lessen the hazard they present. No possilbe turning with this arrangement. These long cotter keys tend to be soft enough to allow easy bending.

I buy them is a variety pack from the marine stores.

 

[Charles Erwin]

Would this work better?

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Charles;

Having sailed in all kinds of boats over 50 years and being one of the bigger dealers now retired but with a lot of experience with smaller sailboats, any line can snag that cotter pin to include what you have. My suggestion to tape that still remains the same. When you do tape, do not stretch the last wrapping or it will come off. Also little fingers I have seen have been pricked by that particular set up by the wee ones.

 

[Charles Erwin]

Dave

You are quite right that the photo I used does not show the ends properly finished.

That photo came from popular source - and it is not complete because it does not show the finished arrangement.

One finishes this keeper arrangement by trimming the sharp ends thence bending the ends over the bitter end of the stud (i.e. toward the inside of the barrel.) That way the sharp end is bent to the inside of the barrel - resting atop the stud end - and there is no sharp end whatsoever exposed to snag or injure anything or any one.

The original question involved how to prevent the stud barrel from unwinding and the photo does show a method that will prevent the barrel from overriding a standard cotter or ring cotter.

By the way the material I use is 3/32 316 stainless TIG rod. 304 stainless safety wire would work as well. These materials are instantly available anyplace.

Charles

 

[Charles Erwin]

Better explanation?

 

[203]

Thanks for all the info, guys. I think Charles' description gives me the info I need for size, cause he can use 3/32 TIG rod .. so I should be able to use someting under 1/8 for my rings or keys.

I appreciate the input about not taping water into the turnbuckle. I'll be re-taping everything tomorrow, so will make sure to not tape in the rain (c:

Thanks guys,

Richard