[MHml] Diamonds Tension

[Paul Nudd]

TLam45387 at aol.com wrote:
> 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
------------------------------------------------
Of course you already know that all of these problems are avoided by not 
using your trunbuckles to tension the rigging but as suggested just use 
them to take up the slack when the rigging on that side is unloaded.
"solution is to bend the mast and tighten the loose side, not rely on 
the turnbuckle".
PN