Removing a rigging block pin

[picardy]

Sorry to ask what must be a silly question but how do I remove the pin that is holding the end of the mainsheet to the rigging block so i can remove the sheet for washing.

Can it be done myself or do I require a special tool.

Photo below and thanks in advance.

 

[VicS]

It may well not be designed to be removed and replaced.

No doubt it can be drilled out but then you would have to replace it with something slightly different.... a pin held in place by a split pin or "key ring" perhaps.

Why not remove the blocks that can be removed and wash the sheet with the one(s) that cannot be removed covered with an old sock to protect the washing machine.

Actually not a bad idea to put sheets in old pillowcases .... its saves many hours or untangling them when they come out of the machine

 

[Thistle]

Actually not a bad idea to put sheets in old pillowcases .... its saves many hours or untangling them when they come out of the machine

But do wait until significant others are out of the house to avoid complaints of damaging the machine! Oh, and use an old pillowcase!!

 

[machurley22]

Why not cut the sheet off and either re-make the splice (can be difficult with used rope I believe) or just use a bowline next time?

Edit: If you can't splice braid (me neither) you could stitch and whip an eye which looks just as neat and tidy IMO.

 

[pvb]

I reckon Vic is right - the becket isn't removable on those Rutgerson blocks. It will be OK to wash the block together with the mainsheet.

 

[Stork_III]

I reckon Vic is right - the becket isn't removable on those Rutgerson blocks. It will be OK to wash the block together with the mainsheet.

I wouldn't want that block flying round in my machine. Drill the head off and replace with a clevis pin retaining the bobbin.

 

[VicS]

I wouldn't want that block flying round in my machine. Drill the head off and replace with a clevis pin retaining the bobbin.

Wrapped up in an old sock as I already suggested will protect the machine.

Does protect the machine

Only sensible to put rigging in on a gentle wash programme.

I am a bit uneasy about machine washing braided ropes anyway having had one ruined (probably on its last legs anyway but annoying nevertheless) and another slightly damaged but still useable.

 

[Stork_III]

If using a sock make sure you use 2. As you know 1 odd sock always goes missing. Machine washing is a good test of outer braid integrity, if faulty the inner can become the outer, as I found recently when I wash my spinny halyard.

 

[Tranona]

I wrap the spliced in block on my kicking strap in pipe insulation, then in a sock. Never any problem in the machine.

If you don't like that cut it off and then use a half hitch with the tail whipped to the fall - or even the halyard knot that Selden recommend, which is not so neat but easy to do.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Why not cut the sheet off and either re-make the splice (can be difficult with used rope I believe) or just use a bowline next time?

Edit: If you can't splice braid (me neither) you could stitch and whip an eye which looks just as neat and tidy IMO.

The one in the photo looks to be whipped rather than splice. I must admit I've always put the whole thing in the washer - when SWMBO is out obviously.

 

[prv]

The one in the photo looks to be whipped rather than splice.

i think it's both - spliced into a biggish loop, then the two halves of the loop seized together.

Pete

 

[pampas]

wash it in the bath tub, rinse and hang to dry.

 

[VicS]

wash it in the bath tub, rinse and hang to dry.

But don't sit on the block

 

[William_H]

Cleaning main sheet

A bucket filled with fresh water and a bit of detergent will clean most sheets well. Just stir it up a bit with your hands. You could do this on deck without removing the sheet from the pulley. Washing machine. Yikes olewill