Bronze vs. Stainless Turnbuckles

[Dean Abramson]

Cathy, thanks for that tip. I will stop by and see. I do not remember the logo, but that doesn't at all mean that it is not there! My guess is that I would have noticed, though, if it were on the turnbuckle bodies. That toggle in your photo: is that SS, or plated bronze?

Here is a detail from a photo, which shows some of our old rig:
[img]http://www.mainephoto.com/folios/ChrstmsCv080809-6.jpg[/img]
A question for anyone who might know: on the original rig, isn't it only the turnbuckle body which is bronze? And on the original rig, was that a Spartan turnbuckle body?

Finally, why do they plate bronze? Is it just to meet a certain aesthetic, or is there some functional/durability advantage.

Dean

[Oswego John]

Hi Dean and all,

Years ago, before automobile bumpers and trim was made of plastic, the bumpers were made of press-formed steel for strength.

To obtain the best finish, the steel was plated with copper, then it was chromed.

A lot of supposedly chrome plate is really nickelplate.

In this modern space age, only the finest virgin plastic is used.

Good luck in your search.

O J

[Steve Laume]

I rerigged Raven last year and reused the old turnbuckles. I did buff them before they went back and I don't remember seeing any stamps on the turnbuckle bodies, steve.

[Cathy Monaghan]

Hi Dean,

I can't go look at my rig, it's up high in the mast shed down at the boat yard and the hole thing is covered in plastic, so that'll have to wait until spring -- not to mention all of the snow and mud you have to trudge through to get to it.

But the toggles should be stainless steel -- on your old rigging too.

Navtec makes bronze and chromed bronze turnbuckles as well. If you've got new rigging and the wire is Navtec, chances are that the rigger used Navtec turnbuckles too.

The Spartan Marine stamp looks like a viking ship (or maybe it's an ancient Greek ship?). Unfortunately they don't put the stamp on all of their products. Anyway, look for the stamp, tell or show us what it looks like, and we'll see if we can identify it. Otherwise you'll have to wait until the rigger gets back.

I think I'd only have him replace them if he says they're not bronze but that's up to you.

Hope to see ya on Saturday at Newick's in NH.


-Cathy

[Dean Abramson]

Thanks, Cathy.

I probably won't see the rig again before Saturday.

But I will see guys at the luncheon Saturday. I am looking forward to it.

Dean

[jim trandel]

I did all my rigging (standing & running) through Rigging Only. They provided Bronze TB's without question. I enjoy having all that brightwork to polish and teak to varnish! Keep the CD tradition.

Fair winds & a following sea,
Jim

[Jim Walsh]

I replaced all my standing rigging using Sta-Lok fittings and a couple Hi-Mod's so I wouldn't have to install any non-original size clevis pins. I re-used my original bronze turnbuckle barrels. They were all perfect. Probably just broken in after 24 years.

[Emil Maurer]

Here appears an expert reference to galling on SS threads.

http://www.estainlesssteel.com/gallingofstainless.html

(I think that Fred/Fenix's experience also falls into the wisdom column)

Interesting to note that galling does not appear in the dictionary

[Oswego John]

Hi Emil,

This might be of some help.

http://www.estainlesssteel.com/gallingofstainless.html

BTW, at the botton, click on Stainless Steel information.
Scroll down and read "Noteworthy" concerning salt water and SS.

Best regards,
O J

[Emil Maurer]

Why thank you OJ.
That is exactly the same reference I just sent in.
We must have the same research sense.

[Maine Sail]

Dean,

I was just talking with Jimmy this morning and saw your rig. Personally I'd stick with those Hayn chromed bronze turnbuckles. They are significantly more robust / heavy duty than the originals. The wire, upper swage, and lower toggle swage studs are all stainless anyway. I think having a bronze TB mixed with those studs would look odd..

Just my .02..

[Dean Abramson]

Yes, I swapped emails with Jimmy this morning. Once I knew they were Hayn and bronze, I told him I would stick with them.

Dean