Incomplete in 7 languages
Hello, If the Sta-Lok was done right, there's nothing you need to do until it's time to replace the wire. Your only other concern is to see to it that the furler is also right, so there's no chance that an overlong foil or badly-led halyard can unscrew the terminal (it happens). Unfortunately, if you followed the directions, it is extremely unlikely that it was done right, as those instructions are incomplete in 7 languages. For one thing, they don't tell you to apply the Loctite at first assembly, at which time it serves as a gall-preventing lubricant. They don't tell you that it is usually helpful to use a vise to gently compress the wedge a bit, for a tighter fit on the wire core, so the darn thing doesn't ride up as you are fairing the yarns. They don't say to put in enough sealant that when you finish assembling the second time, a bit of sealant squeezes out the other end, precluding water from entering, and they don't say to use 3M's 4000 instead of silicone, though the former is much better at keeping water out, long-term. They don't say any of these things, because the folks at Sta-Lok, though makers of an excellent product, have expressed the concern that if they make the instructions too complex (i.e. thorough), it will scare people away. But now you know. Scared? Of course not, you just want to do the job right, right? Have at it. Consider getting my video on the subject, for all the other details I can't fit in here without typing all night. But the above are the important ones. Fair leads, Brion Toss
