I just ordered jaw to jaw turnbuckles from http://www.marinepartdepot.com
The site says Brand New 316 Stainless Steel 1/4" turnbuckles. $9.19 each, free USPS priority service shipping on orders of $20.00 or more. Seems too good to be true, but for the price, I bit and will try them out.
They have a limited selection of other 316 stainless hardware and anchors at good prices.
Has anybody else purchased from this site? Any feedback on quality?
Scott
Stainless hardware
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Frank C
Scott,
I love a bargain, so I really hate to be the pessimist. But looking over that website, this guy simply MUST be ordering in all that 316 stainless from China. I see two potential problems ... first, do I trust the alloy? ... and next, do I trust the forgings. I'm leery of their turnbuckles and anchor swivel for sure. I'm a lttle dubious of his cleats too, but I'd love to have 8" cleats instead of only 6 inches.
(But I wouldn't hesitate to buy his stainless fittings to mount a Bimini !)
He even shows stainless ANCHORS! Please report back after you receive the turnbuckles.
I love a bargain, so I really hate to be the pessimist. But looking over that website, this guy simply MUST be ordering in all that 316 stainless from China. I see two potential problems ... first, do I trust the alloy? ... and next, do I trust the forgings. I'm leery of their turnbuckles and anchor swivel for sure. I'm a lttle dubious of his cleats too, but I'd love to have 8" cleats instead of only 6 inches.
(But I wouldn't hesitate to buy his stainless fittings to mount a Bimini !)
He even shows stainless ANCHORS! Please report back after you receive the turnbuckles.
I emailed the posted address and asked what the safe working load and minimum breaking strength was on the turnbuckles. To my surprise I got an answer back within two hours. He stated the minimum breaking strength as 3400 lbs. If that is true, it is stronger then a Crosby H-228 turnbuckle. (2500 lbs Ultimate Load, 500 lbs. working load.) If it is not domestic traceable (China, Taiwan import) hardware, I will have little assurance of the quality assurance or quality control.
I must say I agree about using China hardware in a safety related rigging system, and I may not have thought this through before I ordered. To save $10 or $15 per turnbuckle is not money well spent if the hardware is inferior.
Ill drop another line when the shipment comes in.
Scott
I must say I agree about using China hardware in a safety related rigging system, and I may not have thought this through before I ordered. To save $10 or $15 per turnbuckle is not money well spent if the hardware is inferior.
Ill drop another line when the shipment comes in.
Scott
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Tom Root
- Captain
- Posts: 560
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 11:39 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Annville, PA. s/v-Great White, MacX4787A202,'09 Suzuki DF-50
I really, really like that spiffy anchor, I just bought 20' of stainless 3/8" chain because I hate rust...that anchor would go well with that!
I also would like to fab my own Bulwagga, out of stainless plate I just happen to have hangin' around.
Anyone have one that can email me the dimensions, I'd appreciate it! I'd get it cut and welded by someone else for much less than one that will eventually rust!
I also would like to fab my own Bulwagga, out of stainless plate I just happen to have hangin' around.
Anyone have one that can email me the dimensions, I'd appreciate it! I'd get it cut and welded by someone else for much less than one that will eventually rust!
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craiglaforce
- Captain
- Posts: 831
- Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2004 8:30 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Houston, Tx
I phoned the proprietor, these turnbuckles are Chinese origin as suspected. I explained my intended use and asked to cancel the order, he had already mailed them but offered a full refund on the return of the turnbuckles. He also emailed the same offer of full refund, so I have it in writing too. It turns out he sells on e-bay, 544 feedback with 100% satisfaction. When I get them, Ill take a look at them and send them back.
To be clear, I do not have an issue with the Chinese in any form or fashion. But I have found the hardware like shackles, chain, steel wire rope and turnbuckles to be inferior in quality and consistency. In my business we call the Chinese and Taiwan hardware knock off. I like to use Crosby brand products. They have a bulletproof quality assurance and quality control program. If I have a problem with a Crosby shackle, they will stand behind the product. If I have a problem with a Chinese shackle, I have no recourse at all. The Chinese hardware never identifies the manufacture. Its not like I could turn to the Chinese government to back the product.
Knowing all of this, I still bought these turnbuckles in a hasty fit of greed. Its funny how money can cloud the mind...
To be clear, I do not have an issue with the Chinese in any form or fashion. But I have found the hardware like shackles, chain, steel wire rope and turnbuckles to be inferior in quality and consistency. In my business we call the Chinese and Taiwan hardware knock off. I like to use Crosby brand products. They have a bulletproof quality assurance and quality control program. If I have a problem with a Crosby shackle, they will stand behind the product. If I have a problem with a Chinese shackle, I have no recourse at all. The Chinese hardware never identifies the manufacture. Its not like I could turn to the Chinese government to back the product.
Knowing all of this, I still bought these turnbuckles in a hasty fit of greed. Its funny how money can cloud the mind...