whipping advice please

[simonfraser]

my 8mm dyneema slips in the rope clutch, i am about to whip some small cord round the dyneema in the apropriate place.
is this a good idea, any special way of doing this.
i just thought i'd ask before i find out the whole lot jams & i can't get the main down any more . . . . . . . /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[Talbot]

Is the rope clutch designed for that size rope?

If so, is the clutch contaminated with grease?

If not, is the clutch worn - buy new gripping pads (assuming it is a lewmar cluutch)

 

[simonfraser]

hi talbot, the rope is prob on the small size, 8mm, clutch will hold but not on a big load, no grease or other contaminants

hmm, could i get gripping pads for a smaller rope in it ????

simon

 

[Talbot]

Best to take advice from the manufacturer. If it is a lewmar, they have a VERY helpful support department.

 

[cliff]

I had a similar problem with one of my clutches but rather than go down the road of changing the clutch I epoxied a piece of brass shim (1mm thick) on the dog carrier where the locking cam bore on the top of th ecarrier. This had the effect of pushing the carrier and dog further down into the clutch and allowing the clutch to grip the thinner rope - worked for years (until I sold the boat, so don't know if still working). Did one on my present boat and it is working fine now.
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"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"

 

[simonfraser]

thanks cliff, that's a sound dodge !

 

[cliff]

Glad to help and pleased you did not refer to it as a "bodge".
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"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"

 

[Lakesailor]

Not a bodge but a "tollerance adjustment" surely.

 

[cliff]

I like it, I like it... "tolerance adjustment" As someone once said, "Ya know, a few years ago I couldn't even spell "engineer" now I is one".
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"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"

 

[GMac]

If you are trying to use an uncovered Dyneema I would suggest you need new clutchs. This is one very slippery son of a b***h material and usual does not work at all in most older clutches. New ones have been designed especially for uncovered Dyneema/Spectra, they are also a lot less prone to damaging the rope.

By cover I mean the polyester outer sleeve.

If it is uncovered I'd suggest you get a bit of cover off another rope and fix that over the Dyneema. You only have to do the bit where it is in the clutch. You will find this works very well.

If the Dyneema is covered you possibly have worn the clutch or have the wrong size. Some of these 'newer' fibres are causing the odd issue like this and most rope companies don't have great information telling everyone.

 

[john_morris_uk]

[ QUOTE ]
If it is uncovered I'd suggest you get a bit of cover off another rope and fix that over the Dyneema.

[/ QUOTE ] I agree - a good trick is to stitch another cover over the line just for the part that goes through the clutch. Just get a metre or so of line of the right thickness and take the cover off the core. It should slide on easily. You need to stitch it through the line for the length of the extra cover and whip the ends of the new cover to the line. I have used this trick in the past and can confirm that it works well.

 

[Ecosse120]

If you have a lewmar clutch you may have the base the wrong way round. One way is higher than the other and therefore for smaller ropes. I bought an old XA on ebay and couldn't get it to hold a 6mm rope until I turned the metal base unit around.

 

[simonfraser]

hi john, thanks, that a great idea, use the cover of another rope & stich it on, the dyneema is covered already but too small a diameter.