Stainless steel eyebolts, monkey metal

[MikeBz]

This is an 8mm stainless steel eyebolt from our boat:

Bigger version available by clicking on the picture here if you can log in to Photobox.

I need to replace this eyebolt (and it's sister - one on each runner) and obviously want to ensure I source good quality items. There are plenty of chandlers who purvey these items, and plenty of retailers on EBay selling them at much better prices than the chandlers, but how do I make sure that what I'm buying is top quality and not made-in-China-monkey-metal? I'm not convinced that paying more money at a chandlery will guarantee that I get a better product that the ones sold on EBay (which might be perfectly good themselves...).

Mike

 

[Ruffles]

I'm not convinced these fittings are really suitable for rigging (They're used on my boat for the lee cloths) Wouldn't you be better off with a 'U' bolt. They have high rated loads 'cos they're extruded not cast.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
Bigger version available by clicking on the picture here if you can log in to Photobox.

[/ QUOTE ] Only if i care to odre print as far as i can see! Photobox is not really the best host for pics for the forum. Photobucket is the most popular but uploading can be slow at times!

Difficult to advise on the source of a replacement. You probably should be specifying 316 (A4). About all you can do is to check that it is not magnetic.

Try Sea screw or A2A4 fixings or Anglia stainless if you donot trust you chandler or ebay

 

[MikeBz]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Bigger version available by clicking on the picture here if you can log in to Photobox.

[/ QUOTE ] Only if i care to odre print as far as i can see!

[/ QUOTE ]

Ooops, sorry, I'm not trying to sell pictures!

Mike

 

[Poignard]

What about these from Wichard?

Only problem is that their smallest size [13mm] is larger than your old one.

 

[charles_reed]

Try Wichart forged

It'll be your only guarantee of quality.

Looks a though the eyebolt has had galloping crevice corrosion in a preformed crack.

 

[Gunfleet]

I bet that didn't come from French's.

 

[ccscott49]

I also reccomend wichard.
Or replace with a "U" bolt.
But if you look at that eye bolt, it was cracked long before it gave way, maybe you should have inspected it sooner?
Also on closer study you can see some cracking at the junction of the ring and "neck". Maybe it's been overstressed and you need to go up a size? or two!
I would also make sure the strain on them is not trying to bend them, but pulling in line with them.

 

[Avocet]

I agree, more than half that fracture surface has rust on it so the crack would have been half way through the thickness of it by the time it snapped. (Not that I'd have necessarily spotted it)!

 

[ccscott49]

You would have seen it if it was inspected now and again, because the crack would have been weeping rust, I clean all my fittings occasionally with Ferronet and inspect them, any weeping rust, it's cracked, replace it, part of maintenance in my book.
I always over-spec anyway, if it needs a 4mm I put an 6-8 on. I know it's heavier etc, but belt, braces, a piece of string and a safety pin!

 

[alec]

Agree that Wichard make are excellent. They actually state on the pack breaking loads and I believe, but cannot confirm, that they are actually tested.

Having said all that I buy Proboat make that are VERY much cheaper and probably made in the far east. As mentioned, because they are much cheaper, I overspec and have never had any trouble with them.

 

[MikeBz]

I do agree that frequent inspection would be in order, and will be from now on! U-bolts would be better, not sure if there is room to fit but will investigate. If no room for a U-bolt then I'll go up to 10mm and inspect regularly.

I notice that the Proboat stuff is 304 not 316.

Mike

 

[ccscott49]

304 is as strong as 316 (approx) but 316 is more corrosion resistant, 304 is fine for above decks.

 

[charles_reed]

Wichard

http://www.wichard.com/indexGb.html

 

[bumblefish]

I believe that in order of strength one should think, O bolt < U Bolt < A Bolt, can you fit an A bolt?