Split Rings Missing

Razorfish

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4 May 2004
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Up a creek....
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Has anyone had experience of split rings dissapearing from their rigging?

I discovered that I was missing 5 this weekend. I have no idea how long they've been missing but it gave me a fright. I can't think how they would have come out, can anyone else?

I'd hate to think it was vandalism.

Andy
 

Piere

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Same occurred to me , I think there was an occaision when something must have rubbed against the ring and some how unwound them. I have no other explanation ! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
I will be going back to split pins next year.
I thought the rings looked neater and if a leg brushed against it it would avoid a scratch .
pete
 

fireball

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Split rings are used extensively in modern dinghy rigs - I've never had a problem with them... those that can cause catching are always taped - rather spend a few quid on electrical tape than a few hundred on a new spinny!!

I was contemplating putting splitrings in for the yacht too - easy to fit and less likely to catch on your ancle!!

I don't quite understand how a ring can be unwound ... unless intentionally
btw - there are two versions of split rings - one like your standard key ring and the other has one end with a slightly tighter radius to make starting it easier...
 

TheBoatman

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We have a training boat at my club which has split rings in the rigging. I can't tell you how many times we have replaced them even though the boat has been ashore.
Conclusion: Other members know they are there and it's a whole lot cheaper and quicker to "borrow" them than go to the chandlers.

Peter.
 

SilverBreeze

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Judicious use of electical tape solves the problem.
Our racing J-24 travels to several events each season. We use split rings on the standing rigging because they are quick and easy to rig and de-rig.
Our cruising Beneteau 31.7 uses split pins because they are set at the beginning of the season and checked annually (always afloat).

We are careful to use four turns of electrical tape to protect the split ring and the split pin.

An over-exuberant wrapping of tape "can" sometimes cause oxygen starvation to the ss ring or pin which "might" lead to failure.

So, chose the ring or the pin, but use a bit of tape to protect it. Not a lot, just a bit of tape.
 

oldharry

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I have often been amazed just how vulnerable split rings seem to be when used in yacht rigging. Even apparently tough ones seem to straighten out at the merest touch of a loaded or fast moving rope, and once distorted they seem to develop a life of their own intent on wriggling out of the clevis....!

I can understand if a moving rope catches a split ring end that it could just whip it out, but trying to remove a damaged ring is often a nightmare, yet they seem to be able to fall out of their own accord!

Split pins never seem to suffer the same fate - even if they have not been properely secured.
 
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