becket . . . becket . . . I need a becket

[SURV69]

Does anyone know where I can buy a BECKET(without the block).

I lost my becket, the only becket I have ever owned, while untangling my spinnaker sock.

It hit twice on the boat, then on the dock, then in 8 feet of water.

I think I need to buy a bunch of beckets.


Thanks for any help

John Francis

[Tripp Gal]

When you say you want a new becket but not the block, I'm a bit fuzzy. Do you have a picture or better description of what you are looking for?

There are becket shackles, there are blocks w/ beckets but i've not heard of being able to buy a "becket" by itself.

[SURV69]

well, a small snAp-shAckle would do.

What I'm talking about is the "U" shaped piece of metal that attaches the block to a shackle.

B--L--O--C--K
B--L--O--C--K
I I
I I
--------------
I I
I AC I
H I K
S LE

Connect the I's. The piece is about 1/2"-3/4" long and has an openning for a pin.

[Tripp Gal]

OK, so I called my acct mgr at Harken and we tried to figure out exactly what the sam hill we are all trying to help you find.

Between the brain trust we came up with the following things that sound kinda like what you are asking for....

1. This is called a becket shackle

2. Technically the becket is the tang/spool assembly at the bottom end of this #2639 in this picture.


So do you need the shackle (option #1) or the pin/spool at the tip of #2?

[SURV69]

Wow . . . and I thought studying ornithology was hard.

It's item number one.

up and down, it's only about 1/2-3/4 inch while side to side it appears(by memory) to be about 1/2".

I did searches on "Becket" at West Marine and Harken. Came up with blocks with attached beckets.

I'm glad, now, to know that the "Becket", is not at all what I thought it was, but that the "Becket Shackle", appears to be what I need.

Anyway, I can find "Shackles", but I can't seem to find very small "shackles", that fits my need.

I was actually hoping to find a "kit" of these things, similar to a "fastening kit".

Thanks

John

[Frank C]

This is an amusing thread - even if John's not amused at his loss. Sorry, John. Apparently your ring-ding sprang (?) free and you lost the pin and U-shaped shackle that came at top of your block. But the block itself remained on the line (obviously). Right so far, John?

I'd refer to your "becket" as simply a "shackle" (pictured first by Tripp Gal). I've always understood the word "becket" refers to the lowest pin that hangs on extended cheeks below some blocks - as in Tripp Gal's right-most illustration. And here is the first I've ever seen reference to a becket-shackle~! (Sorry Tripp, but your Harken guy is REALLY confusing me.)

Shackles are available at West Marine in many sizes & shapes, examples are attached to the end of jib and main halyards. But as you've already discovered, these "shackles" are always larger than the little top shackles that come with most blocks. I'd just replace the entire block and toss the leftovers into my box of "spares." West Marine also sells a "kit" of stainless pieces like clevis pins, ring-dings and sundry stuff - also in my Spares box - alas, without any shackles. But you could just choose a particularly narrow shackle to suspend your block.

Also, you might request a copy of the Ronstan catalog through the mail. They offer a very broad range of their various bits & pieces that comprise their entire product line, including page after page of sheaves - every imagineable diameter of pulley, varying widths and styles and pin bores - maybe you'll find a mini-shackle in Ronstan's catalog.
Good luck!

[SURV69]

Thanks

I thought I lost a becket
into the slimy green
but I actually lost a shackle
and misnamed the #$#%$%&$&$%$ thing

[Tripp Gal]

I'm so glad we got that sorted out. note that a becket shackle has a pin and ring rather than a keyed pin that is threaded. that is the technical difference.

I've PM'ed you, so take a peek.

Shackles are cheap, in the grand scheme of things, here's a quick primer on shackle compositions:

Stamped are the cheapest and come in most small/extra small sizes. They are fine for lighter loads but can snap/deform/shear at higher loads.

Forged are more expensive, heavier, and stronger but are made for higher load situations.

HR are specially forged for ever greater strength than plain ol forged. They are very dear in price (about 20-30% more expensive) but are for extreme load applications or where size/strength is a premium.

[SURV69]

Tripp Gal


In hindsite, I guess was right(partly), after all.

It is evidently a Becket shackle.

Boy, the verbage does get curiouser and curiouser.

The subtle nuances of what is or isn't is rather amazing.

ANYWAY, I'm on my way out to work. If I can, I'll stop by the boat and size the pin and all.




Thanks

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

John Francis - If it came off of a Harken block, such as the 168, it is the stamped shackle that Harken uses. Contact me if you need some - Bill

[Craig LaForce]

I harken to your tale of woe
'bout losing your shackle to the deeps below
who is Sam Hill I do not know
Beckets are for blocks, this much be true
Defender no doubt has the part for you.


http://www.defender.com/

[Catigale]

Hark and the water did crackle

as it ate my shackle

Or was it a Becket that led me to pocking my pecket?

[Frank C]

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

Wow, you guys are really at the top of your game....now how about a limerick too!

There once was a sailor from Tibet
Who was trying to find his Beck-et
It had hit twice on the boat
So he defied it to float
But it still sank like a Rock-et