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Erino · 07-05-2019, 15:11

If I replace my forestay, cap shroud and backstays (8mm 1x19) could I use the wire I take off to make new lowers? If the wire away from the ends is clean, why not?

billknny · 07-05-2019, 15:30

Of course you CAN... but SHOULD you? For a cruising boat, No. For a small day sailor with a light mast used in light conditions, just wear a hardhat when you sail.

Corrosion is only one reason to replace stainless steel wire rigging. The other is what is called "work hardening" where the metal become weaker and more brittle over time by being exposed to repeated cycles of loading. Think of bending a coat hanger, back and forth, and back and forth, and.... snap!

There is no realistic way to inspect the wire to see if it has hardened or how much.

If you do this, I assume that the wire you move to the lower shrouds will be in place until the NEXT time you change the rigging. What do you consider a reasonable change interval? 10 years? 15? Do you want 20 or 30 year old wire on your rig? Really?

The wire is one of the LEAST expensive parts of the rig. The terminals, the labor and time to replace them is worth a lot more.

**JPA Cate** · 07-05-2019, 19:04

Hi, Erino,

Welcome aboard CF!

We re-purposed our old rigging wire as jack lines on our previous boat. Just like rope, you want to avoid it with your feet, but it's really strong, and you won't have to worry about oxygen deprivation corrosion.

I would not re-purpose them for lowers, the lowers take the most stress of all the rig. The wire's good for something, but probably finished as rigging wire. You can find something useful to do with it. Or sell it for scrap, if nothing presents itself.

Ann

**Jim Cate** · 07-05-2019, 19:27

Also have seen old rigging wire used as lifelines. Even if too fatigued to use as rigging, it is way stronger than typical 3/16 7x7, commonly used as lifeline material.

Jim