Does anyone know how you determine which size clevis and cotter pins to purchase? How do you know what size you need? I went to the boat store only to find there are oodles of sizes. What are the pros/cons of cotter pins vs cotter rings?
dgsail@earthlink.net
Rigging Question
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Bill Goldsmith
Re: Rigging Question
For clevis pins you want to install the largest pin that will fit through the hole, without forcing it. The idea is that the largest usable pin will spread the load across the entire surface of the mating surfaces of the hardware. Too small a pin will cause "point loading," or the imposition of the entire load at one spot, which causes accelerated fatigue and wear. Same idea with cotters--get the largest that will fit without forcing.
Cotter rings and pins each have their places. Avoid using rings where running rigging could snag them and bend them out of shape and eventually pull them out. Rings are great for locking the clevis pins on blocks, attaching main sheets to travelers, etc. Don't use rings to lock your turnbuckles as they won't prevent the buckle from turning. Cotter pins are needed there. "Mission critical" rigging such as stays and shrouds should have pins. However, pins can cut skin so they may not be as appropriate for lifeline terminals or other rigging that is handled regularly.
When assembling a rigging component just ask yourelf which type seems to make the most sense and you'll probably be right.
Bill
goldy@bestweb.net
Cotter rings and pins each have their places. Avoid using rings where running rigging could snag them and bend them out of shape and eventually pull them out. Rings are great for locking the clevis pins on blocks, attaching main sheets to travelers, etc. Don't use rings to lock your turnbuckles as they won't prevent the buckle from turning. Cotter pins are needed there. "Mission critical" rigging such as stays and shrouds should have pins. However, pins can cut skin so they may not be as appropriate for lifeline terminals or other rigging that is handled regularly.
When assembling a rigging component just ask yourelf which type seems to make the most sense and you'll probably be right.
Bill
dgsail wrote: Does anyone know how you determine which size clevis and cotter pins to purchase? How do you know what size you need? I went to the boat store only to find there are oodles of sizes. What are the pros/cons of cotter pins vs cotter rings?
goldy@bestweb.net