Sealing Rigging Wire / Swage

[rajjes]

I have just fitted new 8mm standing rigging with all swaged terminals. .

I have come across some articles which mention melting beeswax onto the lower swage to prevent corrosion. Is this recommended practice? Are there better products than beeswax?

Regards,

Duncan



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[rob2]

That's made me think! With compression fittings, once the deformation has been achieved, the fitting is reopened and the cavity filled with sealant, which squeezes out on reassembly preventing ingress of water. I would think that pure beeswax should do the job, although you could stiffen it up by adding rosin (as used on a violin bow). Be aware that wax becomes brittle as it dries out, so it would be worth warming it up and adding a little extra from time to time. Hopefully warming up the assembly should encourage the wax to wick in between the individual strands of the wire and any voids within the swage. Another possible candidate for this process would be Lanacote, it's very soft but should coat everything and repel water.

Rob.