Smart Pins

[lustyd]

I thought I'd repost about these in a new thread as they may get lost in the other shouty thread
Smart Pins are a useful way to lock rigging screws and very tidy compared to wire and tape.

Whether they are necessary or not is an argument going on in the other thread but I thought they were worth pointing out.

 

[doug748]

Nice one

I have used 2mm ish bolts and nylock nuts for this job for a few years now - works ok.

Glad I don't have to ger involved with those rough boys on the other thread.

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

Yes, there is no doubt that they are 'smart' and neat. I wonder, how long will the Velcro strap last with continual exposure to the elements, sea water, sunshine, etc....

 

[lustyd]

Yes, there is no doubt that they are 'smart' and neat. I wonder, how long will the Velcro strap last with continual exposure to the elements, sea water, sunshine, etc....

I'd have thought velcro would be fine as long as it's not undone too often. There are many outdoor uses for velcro and I've never seen it have a problem. There's also a fair bit on my dive kit, again never seen a problem with usage in the sea after many years.

 

[lustyd]

Also, for £2 each I'd be happy to buy a new set every couple of years if necessary.

 

[Ruffles]

I'd have thought velcro would be fine as long as it's not undone too often. There are many outdoor uses for velcro and I've never seen it have a problem. There's also a fair bit on my dive kit, again never seen a problem with usage in the sea after many years.

Velcro is polypropylene which doesn't enjoy sunshine. Not a problem. You just have to ensure there's a decent overlap with the material you stitch it too.
I had to move the velcro on our stackpack for that reason.

Always good to learn from other peoples mistakes. Another is that webbing is less UV stable that Acrylic canvas so webbing reinforcement should be on the inside. Guess which side I put mine!

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

Also, for £2 each I'd be happy to buy a new set every couple of years if necessary.

I have absolutely no problem with that.

For me, they would be on the same level as those silly plastic clips that some people buy to hang their fenders instead of doing it the proper way. In a way they are like fishing lures that are said to catch more fishermen than they do fish.

 

[Salty John]

Also, for £2 each I'd be happy to buy a new set every couple of years if necessary.

Where do you see them for £2.00 each? The best I've seen is £14.95 for a pack of 4, plus postage.

 

[prv]

Not sure why velcro tape is considered neater than adhesive tape.

Intellectually I can see they're probably ok, but my gut says they're not positive enough.

Pete

 

[CelebrityScandel]

Velcro is polypropylene which doesn't enjoy sunshine. Not a problem. You just have to ensure there's a decent overlap with the material you stitch it too.
I had to move the velcro on our stackpack for that reason.

Always good to learn from other peoples mistakes. Another is that webbing is less UV stable that Acrylic canvas so webbing reinforcement should be on the inside. Guess which side I put mine!

I don't know what material the Smart Pins Velcro uses but Velcro make UV resistant polyester products for outdoor use as well as the polypropylene/nylon ones. These are readily available and perhaps Smart Pins use that.

All that said we have used Velcro strips on deck (mainly for locking clutches) for many years without worrying about the construction and has always stood up fine to UV (been black so maybe the UV resistant stuff) given that it doesn't last forever in any event.

 

[Simondjuk]

Quite a nice idea if you tweak the rig a lot. Saves unwrapping and wrapping tape all the time and unbending and rebending split pins until they fatigue.

I'd like to know where you can get them for £2 a piece too please, lustyd. I'm happy to give them a shot at that price.

 

[VicS]

Quite a nice idea if you tweak the rig a lot. Saves unwrapping and wrapping tape all the time and unbending and rebending split pins until they fatigue.

I'd like to know where you can get them for £2 a piece too please, lustyd. I'm happy to give them a shot at that price.

I think from a theatrical equipment suppliers but still a bit more than £2 http://www.flints.co.uk/acatalog/Smart_Pins.html