Securing turnbuckles
- Thread starter higgs
- Start date
i have often wondered about using jam nuts but roger long uses ss welding rods to do the job
If you a referring to nylon ties, my concern is not strong enough -- at least for the small size that will fit through the (say) 1/8" diameter of the turnbuckle cotter pin hole. And UV damages most nylon ties.
Anyway as an alternative, look at this link: http://www.pyacht.com/johnson-wrap-pins.htm
I have used the same concept for four years now without a failure or noticeable uv damage to 2-sided velcro which I found here: http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=Velcro+roll.
Find flathead stainless steel nails at a local building supply store that match the diameter of the cotter pin holes in the turnbuckle. Cut each nail's length to match the width of the turnbuckles. Stick the nail through the turnbuckle cotter pin holes. Cut a piece of 2-sided Velcro with length equal to 3-4 wraps around the turnbuckle. Wrap. The nail can't go anywhere until you unwrap the Velcro. For added peace of mind, one can press the nail through the Velcro say 1" from the end of the Velcro stap. Use epoxy to secure the nail head to the Velcro.
Anyway as an alternative, look at this link: http://www.pyacht.com/johnson-wrap-pins.htm
I have used the same concept for four years now without a failure or noticeable uv damage to 2-sided velcro which I found here: http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=Velcro+roll.
Find flathead stainless steel nails at a local building supply store that match the diameter of the cotter pin holes in the turnbuckle. Cut each nail's length to match the width of the turnbuckles. Stick the nail through the turnbuckle cotter pin holes. Cut a piece of 2-sided Velcro with length equal to 3-4 wraps around the turnbuckle. Wrap. The nail can't go anywhere until you unwrap the Velcro. For added peace of mind, one can press the nail through the Velcro say 1" from the end of the Velcro stap. Use epoxy to secure the nail head to the Velcro.
Higgs,
You don't want to use wire ties man.
Turnbuckles don't turn unless your tension is loose & the vibration/up & down flexing occurs. Why use unnecessary steps when there is no real advantage to be made.
Plus, normal ties are eaten up by UV. Only the black ties have some resistance. That's why electrical companies use them.
My dad used to say, "Don't sweat the small stuff."
CR
You don't want to use wire ties man.
Turnbuckles don't turn unless your tension is loose & the vibration/up & down flexing occurs. Why use unnecessary steps when there is no real advantage to be made.
Plus, normal ties are eaten up by UV. Only the black ties have some resistance. That's why electrical companies use them.
My dad used to say, "Don't sweat the small stuff."
CR
It all depends on the size of your boat, type of rig, and how often you adjust them. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. A fractional rigged racing boat will have a totally different solution that a cruisey masthead boat owner who never touches his turnbuckles.
We adjust the rig tension of both our boats every time we go out. On the the smaller 260 (400 sqr feet upwind sail) we TIE the bodies closed with short length of dyneema.
On 367 Kestrel (900 sqr feet upwind sail) we use velcro straps with pins.
To the OP, if you don't plan on adjusting them, use the rings. They are the most secure and best set-and-forget solution.
We adjust the rig tension of both our boats every time we go out. On the the smaller 260 (400 sqr feet upwind sail) we TIE the bodies closed with short length of dyneema.
On 367 Kestrel (900 sqr feet upwind sail) we use velcro straps with pins.
To the OP, if you don't plan on adjusting them, use the rings. They are the most secure and best set-and-forget solution.
Use Safety wire
I have been using aviation type stainless steel 0.040" safety wire for about ten years now. It's very easy to install with a twist tool and just as easy to remove with a wire snip. It's also good stuff to have on board for all sorts of temporary repairs.
I found a spool of SS wire at Lowes a few years ago. I was going to secure all of my shackle pins but never go around to it. I use the black zip-ties on my turn buckles and cover them with red (port) and green (starboard) electric tape. The color code helps my less nautical friends keep it straight. twofer.
Here's a link to a whole list-
https://www.google.com/search?q=safety+wire+pliers+craftsman&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8