Cutting the forestay

[Zednotzee]

So my forestay is too long. Both the forestay & backstay turnbuckles are bottomed out, & I can't get the tension I need. Everything is rigged with Sta-lok or Norseman fittings.

What can I use to cut 9/32" 1x19 stainless wire? Would a grinder with a cutting disk work, or would that splay the wires out?

[Jim Cate]

Grinder will work fine, and I have often used a 32 tooth/inch hacksaw, with the wire secured in vise jaws.

Either case, go slow, low pressure on the cutter.

Jim

[pesarsten]

Just out of curiosity, how did it get longer? Has it always been too long or is your mast step compressing?

[maine50]

wrap the wire with tape- plastic electric tape will do nicely- and use very thin cutoff wheel in grinder and you should get a nice clean cut. Tim (Northstar Tartan 41/43)

[TurninTurtle]

Originally Posted by pesarsten

Just out of curiosity, how did it get longer? Has it always been too long or is your mast step compressing?

Yep... WHY are they long?

If the cables have stretched that much.. they are DONE. Stop and get new ones.

If the mast is "getting shorter" find out why.

If its new cables and you just got the wrong size, then carry on.

[ErikFinn]

I hope this is not a similar case what my neighbor had - termites had eaten the support beam on top of the compression post.

[leftbrainstuff]

Originally Posted by Zednotzee

So my forestay is too long. Both the forestay & backstay turnbuckles are bottomed out, & I can't get the tension I need. Everything is rigged with Sta-lok or Norseman fittings.

What can I use to cut 9/32" 1x19 stainless wire? Would a grinder with a cutting disk work, or would that splay the wires out?

Use a fine tooth hacksaw blade. Use a good blade likena Starrett and not that lead painted Chinese crap. Tape the soon to be ends. I use a lump of wood drilled oversize to the wire. Cut in half and clamp or place in vice. The wood block avoids you introduce any nicks or scratches.

I also use pvc gutter to lay the wire in. That way ytou dont pick up any grit or contaminants. Thats what leads to rust spots.

If you use a disk then use clean new cutting disk not a grinding disk. Use a new one not one contaminated with iron or grit.

I prefer not to use a grinder. 316L is mostly immune to carbide precipitation. But I prefer not to thermally work wire. If you inadvertently introduce contaminants then its corrosion resistance in sea water degrades. As you cant inspect a stalok or crimped joint you can never be sure.

When working with stainless your tools, the stainless and work surfaces should all be clean enough to eat off.

If the wire has stretched replace it. Have you root caused the reason it got longer?



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[Zednotzee]

The rigging didn't actually get longer. A previous owner added roller furling. The toggle on the forestay added about 3" of length.

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