[MHml] Diamonds Tension

[TLam45387 at aol.com]

Bill,

Thanks for the rod update and info on the SeaSpecs. I like their anti fog 
design but will probably stick with polarized glass lenses which in my experience 
resist dry salt scratching perhaps a bit better.

In terms of the diamond tension, I mistakenly interpreted your original 
observation as failure to come-up to tension due to yield in the rods.   If, 
indeed, the problem is stainless-on-stainless galling; the turnbuckle assemblies   
should be opened up and any galled areas chased with a tap or die prior to 
further use.   If any of the thread damage is severe, the parts should be 
replaced.    New turnbuckles?

The riggers should have anticipated this problem and used a suitable thread 
lubricant.   I have used two different Locktite products, one a nickel based, 
high-temp goop for hot engine apps. and the other a moly based lube.   Neither 
is great on stainles/stainless threads so for those I use a very waterproof 
Fluorinated grease.   The grease stays put despite repeated washing. Some of the 
Teflon anti-sieze products are also good but tend to wash out of the thread 
in time, making the next adjustment likely to gall.   

Back in the bad old days most turnbuckle bodies were cast bronze and the male 
threaded assemblies stainless.   Really didn't need lube but if adjusted a 
lot the bronze would wear away and eventually be so oversized as to fail in the 
female threads. Ronstan still uses a bronze nut in their single-sided, 
stainless bodied turnbuckles.   

Lockwire, not cable ties! 

Tom LaMers

   


> 
> The tensioning problem is due to binding in the turnbuckle and turns out to
> be common in high preset tension diamonds.   Not a rod material issue.   The
> solution is to bend the mast and tighten the loose side, not rely on the
> turnbuckle. I am learning form all of this.
> 
> Our airs aren't that light, and the expert has less than complete faith in
> the ability of tests to predict future life of rod.
> 
> Which glasses are we talking about?  Sea Specs?  Plastic lenses I believe,
> mine are prescription. (are we allowed to mention F-boat list topics here?)
> 
> Bill
> 
> 

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