Re: Cotter Rings

The Costas (uffda@sonic.net)
Tue, 18 May 1999 07:39:08 -0700


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Bill and all

A simple, and cheap fix (even if you only use temporally) is to tape the
rings to the turnbuckles. Rigging tape is available, but I have switched to
white electricians tape because I can buy it locally. I am fortunate in
that I can leave the side and back stays attached so they are taped. The
forestay has an exposed ring, but I am able to check it each time I rig.

Larry

>Cotter rings (or whatever they're really called) are inherently
>unsafe. I've seen a bunch let go, always the same way: something snags
>them and expands the circle axially. From there it's only a matter of
>time 'til the ring works it's way out of the hole in the clevis pin.
>They like to turn circumferentially when the pin is working or
>vibrating.
>
>That's why I don't use them.
>
>Regards,
>
>Bill Combs
>WWP 19 #439 (Aug 1987)
>"Ursa Minor"
>Fort Walton Beach FL
>ttursine@gnt.net
>
>
>