turnbuckles

[richardh10]

My standing rigging uses turnbuckles, and while the mast is down I thought I would give them a good clean/inspection. They clean up nicely on the outside with autosol, but is it possible (or even neccessary) to clean the inside where there is some rust visible on the threads. I was thinking of maybe soaking them in something, but what? Or just some grease when I put them back?

There doesn't appear to be any damage to them, so I don't really want to change them

What do you think?

Cheers

 

[sarabande]

I'd clean out every particle of gunge possible to prevent galling (cold welding) when you re-assemble them.

Ordinary grease is a no-no, so check out the anti-galling greases here.

http://www.altavista.com/search;_yl...r=altavista&fr2=sfp&pqstr=anti galling grease

 

[greenalien]

Have a really close look at the threads - if they are still exactly even, with a clean saw-tooth profile, /\/\/\/\ , then they should be fine to re-use - however, if the threads are at all asymetrical, no longer even, show any signs of thinning or appear to have been pulled sideways, /¦/¦/¦/¦ , then replace the turnbuckle.
Reassemble with a good quality PTFE grease, as mentioned earlier this will help prevent thread galling.