Bronze Screwjacks

[diode]

HI, I have an old gaffer with bronze screwjacks for the stays. Like eveything else they are a bit past their sell by date. There is a lot of movement on the threads between the 2 shafts (L&R) and turnbuckle. On the turnbuckle ends the 'tube' has splayed out. They still work but the question is for how log? Is it possible to hammer these back into shape or will they just disintergrate? As a stop gap I have used ptfe tape, this works but this can only be tempory. Short of finding new ones can these jacks be reconditioned?


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[Peterduck]

I presume that by "screwjacks" you mean rigging screws. As to recondtioning them, I'm afraid that the bad news is no, you can't. It sounds as though yours are in the last stages of wear, when the whole rig could easily go over the side if you are caught out in a decent blow. The most economical alternative are galvanised screws, which can be bought at Lifting Equipment suppliers for industrial prices. Do not, however, confuse rigging screws with open turnbuckles, which have no assurance as to strength.
Peter.

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[diode]

Thanks for that and yes I guessed the same, oh well over the side they go!
Incidentally I found the things called bottle screwjacks, bottle screws, turnbuckle screws, screw jacks and indeed rigging screws, in my various books at home. how wonderfull this sport is!!
So now I guess I'm looking for some new one's

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[paulrossall]

You will find new ones at Classic Marine...wwwClassicMarine.co.uk
This is web site from their catalouge, dont know if you use the capitals! The catalouge is excellent, very informative and well worth having.

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