Maintaining Halyard Clutches

[Kantara]

The halyard clutches on the mast are slipping badly. I assumed that it was because the halyards were getting worn but I see that these clutches are advertised to cope with quite a wide range of ropes.
I can't work out how they can be cleaned up and tightened. Is there a technique?
Unfortunately, I don't know who manufactured them.

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[steve_cronin]

You can get replacement handles - which include the gripping cam for Lewmars at a huge saving on new clutches.

Try washing them first though in hot fresh water. Often the salt prevents the wedge from going down far enough onto the rope. You can always push it down with your finger though before snapping the clutch shut but don't press it down too far or the rope will be jammed before the handle goes all the way down to the cam's over-center locking position.

Steve Cronin



<hr width=100% size=1>The above is, like any other post here, only a personal opinion

 

[Georgio]

I have Spinlock XA's and find that they like a little lubrication in the form of silicone grease at the start of the season. This helps the cam move around much more freely and lock into the rope. Also if the rope is old it may be a little hard, new softer halyards may help.

hope this helps. G

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