How do you set your splitpins?

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pbeard

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In the aircraft industry we are used to curling the tails of splitpins neatly round the shank of whatever it goes through, having cut them to a tidy length and getting the tails tucked closely in. However, I am still finding them on our 1yr owned boat looking like Lowry men,[or mini "Gents" signs] with the tails hanging out just waiting to snag a leg/sail/line. Is there a shipshape reason for leaving them like this, or is there an objection to closing them right in?
 
It depends on the application. I think people are concerned about weakening the pin by over-distorting it. I tend to curl small ones as far as possible and cover these and the others with tape plus/minus a blob of setting silicon gunge. But then I'm no engineer.
 
Curling the tails in is spot on, merelyhalf opened split pins are lazy and dangerous.

Dangerous particularly for those who are bare foot but can catch other sensitive bits too, and they wreak havoc with spinnakers and the like.

Save 5 seconds with the pliers and pay the price later.
 
No objection to closing them in at all. I always do so in fact. The only argument I have heard for not doing so is that if you have your mast down each year you then need to replace them. But you and I always would anyway wouldn't we? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
A gentle curve around so the ends point at the pin.

Done with a twisting motion of the pliers as opposed to a bending force at the point it leaves the pin.

No sharp bends to create fatigue and no sharp ends to draw blood.
 
I push mine right home and open the legs about thirty degrees: then insert the tip of another pin between the legs and close the lower legs together again with pliers.
The result is a pin straight enough to tape neatly in place, with a bulge big enough to ensure it cannot retract.
When the time comes to withdraw it I simple use a tight 'molegrip' to flatten the bulge, then grip the head and pull. Easy!
 
[ QUOTE ]
curling the tails of splitpins neatly round the shank of whatever it goes through

[/ QUOTE ] Of course that's the way to do it so that there are no sharp ends to catch hands, feet, sails, sheets or other ropes.

The reason people just open them out 30° or so is so that they can easily be removed and reused many times! The danger is not only to the items mentioned but they can be flicked out by a sheet or whatever, then the clevis pin falls out, then the mast falls down.
 
Are there any arguments against using split rings, the ones with the inner end turned in for easy starting?

There are loads easier to put in and out, can't snag and you don't need tools.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Are there any arguments against using split rings

[/ QUOTE ] Yes they seem to come out much more easily, easily get damaged and then they will snag and get pulled out. Useful for things you do need to undo regularly but make sure you have some spares handy.
 
>Many thanks for the replies, had never heard of Piota's method - novel!

And I wish I hadn't, it's asking for big trouble. The only way split pins should be put in is with the ends turned right back.

Never use split rings, they do come out.

Any qualified rigger will confirm those two points.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Yes they seem to come out much more easily, easily get damaged and then they will snag and get pulled out. Useful for things you do need to undo regularly but make sure you have some spares handy.

[/ QUOTE ]

Too true... When sailing my Prindle 19 cat donkeys years ago, I tacked and swung out on the trapeze, to feel a lifting sensation and see the windward shroud flapping around - I was keeping the mast up!! A bit of nifty crew work saw my crew find the pin on the trampoline and rob another split pin from elsewhere and tape it up - all whilst racing!
 
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