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I got these wing nuts for my spreaders. Has anyone done this ?

prefer the wire lock pins
http://www.lowes.com/pd/The-Hillman-Gro ... 63c679c087

I haven't done that Q1, but I have seen wing nuts in that size which have a nylon nylok insert in them, and I would recommend using that type instead.

To be safe (and in consideration of the consequences of one working its way off, and that it is out of immediate reach when sailing) I would use that kind of wing nut (nylok) to secure them from accidentally unscrewing and dropping off (this is the same time-proven method used by the factory-supplied hex nut).

Otherwise it is relying purely on the friction from hand tightening to stop it from working loose over time, and it is not likely to have been tightened with enough torque for that, nor is the tube it tightens against solid (assuming it has not reached the end of the threaded part first).

While you might get away with it without incident without the nylok inserts if you sail for only a few hours at a time to minimize exposure to the risk, it is not something I would suggest trying on an ongoing basis.

- B

Okay so what about the wirelock thingies

Québec 1 wrote:Okay so what about the wirelock thingies

I responded to this in the other thread also, but I will offer a link this time. I use something like these on my https://www.amazon.com/CURT-25012-Coupl ... ab_pd_mw_3. I found them in the trailer section at the local hardware store. I bent the last link open and closed again so that I could attach the chain to the top of the lower shroud. I don't have to worry about dropping them I know that you can get these in stainless also, but you may have to add your own chain. I'm in fresh water, so I didn't worry about that.

Jeff

I trailered my boat few days ago and finally broke the horribly thin aluminum spreaders . I'll replace them with either ss or thicker aluminum and use some form of quick release pin but NOT the regular wing nuts.
Ix

C Buchs wrote:

Québec 1 wrote:Okay so what about the wirelock thingies

I responded to this in the other thread also, but I will offer a link this time. I use something like these on my https://www.amazon.com/CURT-25012-Coupl ... ab_pd_mw_3. I found them in the trailer section at the local hardware store. I bent the last link open and closed again so that I could attach the chain to the top of the lower shroud. I don't have to worry about dropping them I know that you can get these in stainless also, but you may have to add your own chain. I'm in fresh water, so I didn't worry about that.

That's what I use, only without the chain tethers. Nickel plated, from Home Depot. Fourth or fifth season, and they still look like new. SS are available if you look around, but in my case, not necessary.

I've tried both methods but still ended up bending and breaking the end of the aluminum tube. Finally I made an aluminum insert that allows the spreader to fold up and I bunji them against the mast. Works like a charm.

BWY, sell some pins just for that- they have a big flat head and are secured with ring dings.

Just remember to put the wire Lock Pins in the correct way. The head of the pin is at the top of the spreader hole and the wire clasp thingy faces away from the Mainsail. They work just fine.

So this is the new system. Thanks for the advice, Ireally appreciate it.

The wire clasp should be behind the spreader, not in front of it where it will rub against the Mainsail.

Wilco

Thanks to this forum I use wire lock pins for the spreaders and boom goose neck. When trailering I disconnect the spreaders and cable tie them to the mast. I use the same wire lock pins to lock the rudders in the upright position. This has saved me 15 minutes on set up/down.

Just a word on cable ties. I use them ( heavy duty) to lock the halyards, furler, shrouds, spreaders ect to the mast when trailering. I then just snip them off with hand held bolt cutter when raising the mast. Works great and very quick.

Just a word on hand held bolt cutter and a sharp knife, must have safety tools imho. If the mast was to fail I want to be able cut off all rigging quickly and use the motor to get to safety. I keep the bolt cutters just inside the companionway and a diving knife in my life jacket pocket.

A very enlightening thread.

Ray