Does anyone know the actual strength difference between machine swaged and Sta-Loc connectors? I find many opinions but no supporting data.
Sta-lok fittings
- Thread starter patbratton
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- shrouds
I only know of practical sailors article but they did not compare to swaged fittings: Mechanical Terminal Pull Test | Practical Sailor
You also have their article on making sure a swaged fitting is done correctly: Swaged Rigging Terminal Failures Raise Concern | Practical Sailor
dj
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One caveat: do not ever assume that all swaging machines are equal. They have to be checked regularly and dies must be accurate or be replaced. Just like the excellent article advises about having to learn the correct technique to make a reliable mechanical terminal, same goes for the various types of swage machines. Good riggers will have a current pull test result to display for customers.
I've never actually tested mine, but- I've had Stalocks on Tehani ((top and bottom)for well over 12,000 miles with absolutely zero problems. If i need to redo, I'll use them again
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,790
Hi Pat
Welcome to the SBO Forum and the world of sailors. Congrats on the retirement and the new boat.
See your boat is a 1998, and that you are looking to replace the standing rigging. I think that is a smart decision.
There are several manual fittings to secure the wire shroud. Sta-Lock has been ar0und for a number of years. Be sure you properly put the parts together following the recommended methods by the manufacturer. Some recommend use of an adhesive caulk like 3M's 4000 (can be messy). Others do not. Most important is that you properly spread the cable, as directed, around the stopper inside the fitting.
I used Hi-Mod fittings for the lower connections and machine swages press fittings for the uppers. The logic is, swage on the mast means any water does not sit inside the fitting. It runs down the wire away from the swage fitting. I will inspect the swaged mast fitting on an annual or biannual basis. At the base I can see and easily inspect the mechanical fittings on every outing.
For a trailerable boat of your size, I believe mechanical swaged fittings are economical and functional for all the fittings. No need for the added expense of sta-lock fittings. When you trailer a boat it is easy to inspect the shrouds on a regular basis. I had a boat like that for 20 years. Never a problem. I would save the extra cost and apply that to fuel or sails.
Welcome to the SBO Forum and the world of sailors. Congrats on the retirement and the new boat.
See your boat is a 1998, and that you are looking to replace the standing rigging. I think that is a smart decision.
There are several manual fittings to secure the wire shroud. Sta-Lock has been ar0und for a number of years. Be sure you properly put the parts together following the recommended methods by the manufacturer. Some recommend use of an adhesive caulk like 3M's 4000 (can be messy). Others do not. Most important is that you properly spread the cable, as directed, around the stopper inside the fitting.
I used Hi-Mod fittings for the lower connections and machine swages press fittings for the uppers. The logic is, swage on the mast means any water does not sit inside the fitting. It runs down the wire away from the swage fitting. I will inspect the swaged mast fitting on an annual or biannual basis. At the base I can see and easily inspect the mechanical fittings on every outing.
For a trailerable boat of your size, I believe mechanical swaged fittings are economical and functional for all the fittings. No need for the added expense of sta-lock fittings. When you trailer a boat it is easy to inspect the shrouds on a regular basis. I had a boat like that for 20 years. Never a problem. I would save the extra cost and apply that to fuel or sails.