Standing rigging diameter? re - Loos tension gauge

[Dennis]

I think my standard rigging tension may need to be adjusted. I posted a question several weeks ago, and people recomended I get a Loos tension gauge. Problem is, what diameter wire do I have?(there are different gauges for different diameter wires) Is there are way to measure it? Im pretty sure it is the original rigging on our 1990 Catalina 30 TRBS. Any ideas ?Dennis~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_/)~~~~~~~~~

 

[Alan]

Loos guage

When you get your Loos guage, there will be a wire measuring tool with it. Wire is measured by the outside diameter. Simply set the Loos guage on the shroud and check the scale for that wire diameter.

 

[Dennis]

Thanks Alan

Wow i thought there would be more to it than that ! Thanks Alan !Dennis

 

[joe]

What size gauge for Cat 27

Large or Small? C27 cap shrouds, and forestay are 3/16. Lowers are 5/16. A catalogue description of Loos tension gauge says large size fits 3/16 up. Small size fits 5/16 down. Do I need to buy 2 guages?

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

Loos gauge sizes

Joe -I'm afraid you will need both gauges to measure the different sizes accurately. Maybe you could find someone that already has them and borrow what you need? Alternatively, maybe you could go in on both sizes with some fellow boaters so all could use them. Heck, maybe a boatyard nearby might have them and let you use 'em!Best of luck,Trevor

 

[Joe]

I was afraid of that...

... I've always used the fishing scale method, coupled with a good tuning guide.

 

[Ron]

Wire Gauge

Get a cheap pair of calipers to measure the wire diameter. You can get the plastic type for a couple of bucks at the dollar stores or you can get a cheap pair of dial clipers from a place like "Harbor Freight" for 10 to 20 dollars. Don't buy a Loos gauge until you know what size wire you have. If you have 9/32 and your gauge only goes to 1/4 you are screwed.There is a GREAT video by Brian Toss on Tuning the Rig that will take you through the entire process with and without gauges. Well worth the money... Ron