Cotter keys on shrouds

[DEAN2140]

I am unclear of the purpose of cotter keys or circle clips on shrouds where they enter the turnbuckle. Is it to prevent the shroud from coming loose from the turnbuckle? I have seen numerous sport boats (that adjust their rigging frequently for current wind conditions) sail without cotter keys that run a rope through the turnbuckles to prevent them from turning. Doesn't this do the job?

[coopec43]

I just did a search.

"The cotter pin IS supposed to keep the turnbuckle from rotating (and they will rotate ) typically when slightly slack on leeward".15 Mar 2019

https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/threads...s.16438/page-2


Will Your Sailing Rigging Pass This Test?


Skipper Tips
https://www.skippertips.com › public

Cotter pins come in two varieties--cotter rings and cotter pins. Banish the "key ring" shaped cotter rings from your sailboat rigging for good. They have a ..

[DEAN2140]

Thanks for the website. Still not sure why running a line through the turnbuckles isn't sufficient to keep them from turning. Split rings definitely a no no. Any other comments out there?

[Jammer]

Split rings have a bad reputation but I'm not sure it's deserved. In my experience they do fine if not reused and if installed with a split ring pliers. They are less likely to tear into your calves and for this reason do not necessarily have to be taped, which makes inspection and adjustment easier.


Running a line. Not sure I follow. With several turnbuckles next to each other e.g. shrouds I suppose you could run a piece of rope through all of them and knot it, and then none of them could loosen more than a few turns. A few turns is too much, you want the turnbuckle locked to within half a turn or so. Not sure what you would do with the backstay or babystay (if equipped). Racers who tune rigging during the race have different goals and different risk tolerance, be careful when copying them.

[DEAN2140]

Don't think with a tight line through the turnbuckles "they could loosen a few turns", a 1/2 turn at most. You mentioned split ring pliers. I may have one. Can you send me a photo?

[Jammer]

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by DEAN2140

Don't think with a tight line through the turnbuckles "they could loosen a few turns", a 1/2 turn at most.

::shrug:: your boat, your choices.

[pcmm]

Originally Posted by DEAN2140

Thanks for the website. Still not sure why running a line through the turnbuckles isn't sufficient to keep them from turning. Split rings definitely a no no. Any other comments out there?

Why are split rings a "no no"? I've used them extensively on previous boats with no ill effect? They're easy to install, don't catch on things (unlike cotter pins)

[SteveSails]

If the hole in the turnbuckle stud is large enough black plastic(nylon) zip ties work great. Cheap and easy to install or remove with just a knife. The black ones are more resistant to UV than the white.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by pcmm

Why are split rings a "no no"? I've used them extensively on previous boats with no ill effect? They're easy to install, don't catch on things (unlike cotter pins)

The problem with them is that if they're distorted from sloppy installation or repeated reuse, they can come loose from vibration.

[Bowdrie]

It takes but little effort to take a length of bronze brazing rod and secure both of the upper/lower turnbuckle parts with one piece of rod, the ends folded over.
And no taping required to cover-up cotter pin ends.

[DEAN2140]

Not sure e ither but here are some comments from others on this.

https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/threads...s.16438/page-2

[Kijit]

I'm about to go to seizing wire.

[caffel]

Add a stop nut to the top threaded rod (often the RH thread).

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by DEAN2140

I am unclear of the purpose of cotter keys or circle clips on shrouds where they enter the turnbuckle. Is it to prevent the shroud from coming loose from the turnbuckle? I have seen numerous sport boats (that adjust their rigging frequently for current wind conditions) sail without cotter keys that run a rope through the turnbuckles to prevent them from turning. Doesn't this do the job?

Surprisingly they WILL try to rotate. I once put thin split rings on my open body turnbuckles. I was surprised to find they got all twisted up into a mess after a while! (Thick rings would not fit through the stud holes) I just went to proper cotter pins. My cruising boat never had a deck sweeper genoa anyway. Frankly I've never had a sail tear from cotter pins.