Forums Forum Wire rope halyard. Rope replacement?

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    • #9593
      Les Burns
      Participant
      1. Hello again.

      I was heaving on the main halyard tonight, and to my alarm, I noticed the rope part of the halyard is very frayed at the wire eye.

      The main is tensioned with a rack at the foot of the mast. I think this where the wear has occurred.

      i think the rope part of the halyard is 3 strand twisted polyester.

      How had is it to splice in a new rope section and what should I buy?

      Thanks.

      • This topic was modified 8 years, 3 months ago by Les Burns.
    • #9595
      norman
      Participant

      Hello Les

      The wear is not unusual and it’s worth keeping a regular check on the rope loop.  Splicing a new rope tail is not difficult and 3-strand polyester is OK.  If the mast is not down, attach a line to the masthead shackle to allow you to pull out enough halyard for comfortable working.  Make enough tucks, probably at least 4  and keep the ends tidy to minimise jamming, consider whipping them.  For the future always ensure the rope is not pinched on the rack by the halyard, the pressure will increase the wear rate.

      Good luck

      Norman

    • #9596
      Oliver Shaw
      Moderator

      I concur with all the Norman has said.

       

      Just one addition:   the ability to splice three-strand rope is a skill which is well worth learning,  and there are guides to the method available on the internet or elsewhere.<b></b><i></i><u></u>

       

      I am told,  but have no first-hand experience,  that splicing braided rope can also be very easy;   but the rub there is that you need a special splicing needle,  and the size of needle has to be correct for the particular rope  –  so you end up needing a supply of needles of all different sizes.

       

       

      Oliver

    • #9599
      norman
      Participant

      Hello Les

      Re-reading my note, I realise a mistake in advising whipping the strands, I only meant to whip the end of the finished splice.  I use masking tape (other tapes would do) to wrap the ends of the strands and continue the wrap to a taper providing a point which makes it easy to tuck them in.

      Apologies

      Norman

    • #9618
      Les Burns
      Participant

      Thanks again guys. Suitable rope, splicing needles (overkill) and knowledge (grog ‘s knots) acquired. I’ll be giving this a go when I get back of my hols. I’ll report back.

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