Mouse lines have failed. How do i get the ropes back through the mast?

[trapezeartist]

Another vote for a string of nuts on the end of the dangle-string. I used M4 or M5 though, so they would come out through the slot near the bottom of the mast. Another alternative is a heavy bath-plug chain. I've use that before as well.

I was going to use the loop of packing-case strapping as Mistroma suggested but I couldn't find any when I wanted it. I was pleased to find that a piece of wire coathanger very successfully oiked out the dangle-string. I think the strapping would have been even easier though.

All other lines inside the mast need to be bar-tight. Presumably someone will be hanging on the main halyard so that takes account of that. Watch out for the halyard that you are using as the safety back-up as you probably won't have any weight on it.

 

[alan_d]

A rigger advised me to take the standing rigging off during winter (when I don't sail) so that you can wash them and also avoid half a years UV degradation. They therefore last twice as long.

Are you sure he didn't say running rigging? Standing rigging is commonly wire and not susceptible to UV degradation.

 

[Neil_Y]

As you put each new line down, make it off tight and then you reduce the risk of the next one getting wrapped around the ones that you've just put back in. If you do get them wrapped around each other it can add quite a bit of friction/wear.

 

[stav]

When I used to replace sash cords use to use a sort length of chain from a sturmey archer bike gear system (with the bits removed). Smaller size and will fit around tighter radi. I would want someone at the boat to fish it out at the bottom with a bent bit of coat hanger.

Good luck with it.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Are you sure he didn't say running rigging? Standing rigging is commonly wire and not susceptible to UV degradation.

Alan you are correct 'running' is what i meant.

 

[xeitosaphil]

When I used to replace sash cords use to use a sort length of chain from a sturmey archer bike gear system (with the bits removed). Smaller size and will fit around tighter radi. I would want someone at the boat to fish it out at the bottom with a bent bit of coat hanger.

Good luck with it.

When we used to replace sash cords, we used to beg a wash basin plug chain off the plumbers, and fix a 9" x 1/4" length of lead strip folded in half and fixed to the last link in the chain with a V cut in the end. Fit he chain to a piece of 3mm braided line, feed it in the casement box and wait for it to reach the bottom.
Worked every time.
Don't see why it wouldn't work for a halyard down inside the mast.
Best of luck with it
Phil