spreader tip removal

[ozz]

I replaced a broken spreader and was wondering how to remove the old spreader tip? I removed the bolt and tried twisting/pulling the tip with no success. Is there a trick to getting it off? (just wanted to save it for a spare part).

[Hamin' X]

If you have the anodized tips, a 1/2 inch wooden dowel should work a treat. Or, just cut down the old spreader and tap it out with a drift, punch, or flat-blade screwdriver.

Here is a line drawing of their construction since 2005.

~Rich

[csm]

Will depend on how long and to what environment your rigging has been exposed, but when my spreaders broke at the mast fitting, I decided to replace the LIGHT WEIGHT aluminum spreaders with stainless steel tubing. I tried to remove the tips for reuse, but the corrosion between the stainless bolt and aluminum tube/tip was like a chemical bond . Of course your spreaders broke at the stainless mast fitting...........probably one of the weakest links I've found in the Mac design. Having the spreaders rest on the life lines, when the mast is down, is stressing the tubes at the mast fitting. Stainless steel and aluminum don't get along well, especially in salty environemnt.