Small Boat Rigging screws

[Inselaffe]

Hello all,

I need to re-tesion the rigging after dropping the mast on my Etap 22 to replace the spinaker halyard block

I first went up using the main halyard with a two looped bowline (don't know real name) tied in it but I am scared of heights and packed my pants Big Time so decided to drop the mast when I realised the block was broken & it was a bigger job than I thought /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Anyway, i digress...The rigging screws are small on the boat, and my question is:

What should I be using to put in the hole of the small rigging screws to get a lever to turn them?

The hole is so small that it only fits a little electrical screw driver, which invariably bends way before I have enough rig tension.

I follow the Sail and Rig Tuning book by Ivar Dedekam and then tweak to get shrouds becoming a bit slack around 30 degrees, works well for me.

Any suggestions?

TIA

 

[ianfr]

Hi

I use a small screwdriver, and sometimes an old blunt drill with a pair of pliers. The drill being a bit tougher than cheapo screwdrivers. Works for me.

Regards

Ian

 

[alexrunic]

i use an allen key cheap ones bend but the better ones don't

 

[William_H]

You need to ensure that your rigging screws are not seized. ie jambed up with corrosion. If they are then you need lots of patience WD lubricant and possibly heat. Certainly it is a job that requires removal of the rigging screw.

I make a point of unscrewing and lubricating mine every winter.

Mine have a bronze body with SS sceews so inevitably there is corrosion /galling problems.

I tighten them with a spanner on the body hex. olewill

 

[samwestwood]

get a better screwdriver

 

[stevebrassett]

Another vote for allen keys.

 

[lw395]

Final tension is easily applied by sailing along and tightening the leeward shroud. Don't overdo it!

 

[Inselaffe]

Allen keys worked a treat

I could have got a better screwdriver, but I am too tight, must be my scottish ancestry.

Will make final tweaks when out next, and won't over do it /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks all

PS Blimey this forum don't hang about these days do it? You slide off the first page before you can say....