Sta lok fitings.

[SAWDOC]

I am renewing some off my standing rigging and am using a sta lok fitting on my forestay. Is it realistic to re-use these fittings and if so can one do so if loctite is used when first fitting? how does the price of a new wedge compare to the price of a complete fitting?

 

[KellysEye]

Well you shouldn't use loctite, if it has been used clean it off. I asked Sta-lok the same question about reusing fittings and they said it's fine. I did however have a rigger check them.

 

[alahol2]

Certainly OK to use with new cones. I re-rigged previous boat using the same terminals. Would advise that you inspect very carefully, I found one with a cracked shell that was not obvious on casual inspection.

 

[vyv_cox]

I agree with the other posters. Perfectly OK to re-use them if they remain in good condition. For lighter duties, e.g. guard wires, I have even re-used the cones. I never Loctite them though, just use Sikaflex 291 to keep the water out.

Incidentally, I find Sta-lok easier to use than Norseman due to the configuration. It is easier to get the female fitting over the cone assembly than the male into the cone assembly with Norseman, especially with bigger sizes.

New cones are a lot cheaper than a new assembly.

 

[tugboat]

I had my standing rigging replaced recently, 8mm with Staloks. When the rigger fitted them, after he had formed the wires round the cones he put sealant into the top housing so that it squigged out as he tightened up. Said it was to prevent any water getting in and causing corrosion.
A couple of the old rigging screws had siezed so I decided to replace the lot. The rigger said the others could have been re-used with new cones if I had wanted to economise.

 

[Bosun Higgs]

I have always re-used the Staloks but clearly there is a bit more risk in re-using than there is in replacing. Your call.

As for the loctite, then a bit of judicious warming with a heat gun will free that off. I've never used loctite on a stalok.

 

[SAWDOC]

Thanks all for the informative replies. I mentioned loctite because it is recommended in the fitting instruction sheet which came with the fitting.
To quote

"both caulking and thread locking are recommended"

( think they state that in about five different languages)
Loctite 241(blue) is specifically mentioned. Glad to hear it is not essential.

 

[30boat]

I always use loctite with my Sta-Locks.Those who don't do it at their own risk.
Some time ago a friend's 38footer lost it's mast overboard .The cause was the forestay Sta-Lok that undid itself because it hadn't been loctited.Since Loctite won't do any harm to the fiiting,quite the opposite,it will prevent galling of the threads,I don't see why not do it.
http://www.sailingservices.com/stalok/SL_assembl_instr.htm

 

[ianabc]

Freezing....

It's considered important to fill the Sta lok or Norseman type fitting with sealant to prevent water in the cavity from freezing and splitting the fitting.

 

[SimonJ]

Sta lock

Of course you should use Loctite as per the instructions!

The whole point of using these fittings (to me) is that they ARE resusable (with new cones) which means you can examine the rigging in the area where with rolled swages you cannot - and that is where they fail. If they show signs of failure and you are in distant parts you can chop off a bit and refasten & restore the rigging. Quite impossible with rolled swaged which will catch you out. It has happened to me mid ocean!

 

[Blueboatman]

Agree re reusing, fantastic ( and sadly fantastically not cheap unless you do reuse) pieces of kit.

I bet that the example of forestay failure cited involved a rollerfurler, with all the associated twistings..

Somewhere on t'internet I am sure, IIRC, is the info demonstrating that a Stalok has never failed at sea 'when fitted correctly'.

So just like Swan masts then. Ahem they aren't the cheapest either..But you only have to fit the one...

 

[SAWDOC]

Agree re reusing, fantastic ( and sadly fantastically not cheap unless you do reuse) pieces of kit.

I bet that the example of forestay failure cited involved a rollerfurler, with all the associated twistings..

Somewhere on t'internet I am sure, IIRC, is the info demonstrating that a Stalok has never failed at sea 'when fitted correctly'.

So just like Swan masts then. Ahem they aren't the cheapest either..But you only have to fit the one...

Err, is there a suggestion that stalok terminals are unsuitable on forestays with furlers? ie exactly where I am fitting mine???

 

[ean_p]

swan masts???

Agree re reusing, fantastic ( and sadly fantastically not cheap unless you do reuse) pieces of kit.

I bet that the example of forestay failure cited involved a rollerfurler, with all the associated twistings..

Somewhere on t'internet I am sure, IIRC, is the info demonstrating that a Stalok has never failed at sea 'when fitted correctly'.

So just like Swan masts then. Ahem they aren't the cheapest either..But you only have to fit the one...

errr and whats wrong with Swan masts?????/

 

[30boat]

Err, is there a suggestion that stalok terminals are unsuitable on forestays with furlers? ie exactly where I am fitting mine???

Worry not.Sta lok fittings are perfectly suitable for furlers.The torsion loads are always taken by steel anchor bars not the wire/terminals.

 

[vyv_cox]

Err, is there a suggestion that stalok terminals are unsuitable on forestays with furlers? ie exactly where I am fitting mine???

My Furlex and subsequent Facnor roller furlers have been fitted to my forestay complete with Sta-lok for the past 25 years.

 

[savageseadog]

Another vote for Loctite, but use the right grade, I'm certain the Sta-Lok recommend it. Sikaflex will lock the thread too, but perhaps not enough, perhaps is not a good word in relation to rigging.