Dye Test on Rigging

[RDW]

I am thinking of doing an extra good inspection of my rigging this spring. The rigging was inspected 2 years ago with the mast down and all the fittings taken apart.
What is your esperience with the dye used to test or inspect for stainless cracks?
Do you have any specific product recommendations?
Thanks for any help.
RDW

[Hannah on 'Rita T']

I've always seen iodine used. Don't know why, maybe because it was already on board.

[Dragon Lady]

Stainless steel tends to open up when a crack occurs especially if it is welded or cold formed.
Probably due to the internal stress loads which occur during manufacture or loading in service.
Anyway I would think you could eyeball any serious cracks.
Dye penetrant is considered a fairly low level test method compared to eddy current and ultra sonic testing which is the norm in aviation.
Dye penetrant is also very susceptible to false readings both positive and negative.
If you are checking cast alloys, bronze or normal steel then it’s probably worthwhile as they can have very fine cracks which can’t be seen by the naked eye.
Also be aware that Stainless steel can work harden in service and crack or fail with little or no warning.
That’s why there are age limits on rigging.

[sck5]

or you could just go ahead and replace it and sleep better at night

[jrogers]

Hi RDW,
A jeweler's loup is very effective. Check the entire length, but if you start seeing cracks or frays and all wires are the same age you can stop there and chuck it all. Good luck,
John

[RDW]

what are the age limits on rigging?

[SabreKai]

Originally Posted by RDW

what are the age limits on rigging?

Some say 10 years, others say be safe and do it at 7 years. Mine is 32 years old, original as far as I know. I'll be having the rigger go over it this summer. If I can find a shop that does the NDT stuff reasonably cheap I'll get it done there.


Sabre