Rope Clutch Preventing Jib Being Lowered?

[Scare_Rab]

I have never had rope clutches on a yacht before.
When I lower the jib, I release the clutch ( handle up ), go to the bow with the halyard in one hand and pull the sail down while letting the halyard slip through my fist. At least that's what I've done in the past.
Frustratingly, the rope clutch handle slips "down" at random moments - preventing the jib being lowered further and needing a trip back to the mast to release the clutch again. & repeat... etc.
Yesterday, my son said , " those clutches are put on upside down ".
Thoughts? question / comments welcomed.

[MarkSF]

Lol, I guess the previous owner found a cleat was too much work? If you must have clutches there, the Garhauer ones won't move on you. Alternatively, go back to cleats!

Ps, can you tighten up the bolts that go through the clutch? That should stiffen the action.

[Sailmonkey]

If they were upside down then they wouldn't hold the sail up.

[Ex-Calif]

I wouldn't have those clutches mounted vertically...

Surprising they aren't on the coach roof so halyards can be managed from the cockpit.

Weird...

[ryon]

Belaying pins!

[Neptune's Gear]

I have one of those "clutches" mounted in the same manner on my kite halyard. They are not really clutches, but a single cam cleat, with a lever.
I put mine there so that when single handed I can raise the kite from the mast by myself. Then I can go back to the cockpit and pull the tail through when ready.
They are riveted together. I had the same issue, but took off the clutch, and using a suitable punch, tightened the rivets. Been fine since. That was about 10,000 miles ago....
So, you could try that, or replace it with a real clutch.

[Ex-Calif]

Here are two more common mast cleat designs. The one with the roller we used on J24 spin halyards - once released the clutch cannot reengage.

The cam cleat is pretty common and would allow you to carry the halyard forward with you more easily maybe. But it does allow the Halyard to blow around with the wind when not cleated.

[Snowpetrel]

Bungy cord

[Scare_Rab]

excellent suggestions all, Thanks