80's vintage rope clutch help?

[SouthernComfort]

Hello all,

I broke a Lewmar/spinlock cam type rope clutch handle. These are late '80s vintage original to my boat. I have replacement handles but I am not sure how to remove the old broken one.

Does the pivot pin just tap out after releasing the handle tension?

I have google my self crazy looking for an old manual or artical relating to this. Thanks for anything you can help me with.

Lon

[Jim Cate]

Comfort,

First, aminor problem: Spinlock and Lewmar are different brands, and are of quite different construction. I' have both on Insatiable II, and like the Lewmar ones far better. But, I do have some Spinlocks,and I too have broken their rather flimsey handles. And yes, you simply drive out the pivot pin with a drift punch... not a difficult process.

Cheers

Jim and Ann s/v Insatiable II lying Gladstone Qld Oz

[SouthernComfort]

Thanks for the help.

I do know that they are currently different brands, but mine actually say Lewmar Spinlock on the clutch body. I thought it odd, but assumed maybe they were the same back in the '80s. Wasn't sure.

Again thanks.
Lon

[Pblais]

I have old late 80's Spinlock XAS clutches. I've finally acquired enough to remove them all! They tend to crack above where the large pin for the handle. Newer ones seem a bit better but after 20 years what would you expect?

Go to eBay and search Spinlock. They always have single, doubles, and triples for sale. Be watchful as you can buy then for about 30% less than you can get them at Defender.Com. This Xmas they were selling for more as they were hot Xmas items. The brand new ones are exactly the same though bolt hole pattern as the old ones. They do need a backing plate.

Spinlocks are the best. They handle a wider range of rope sizes. If you have the money the XTS clutches are more heavy duty and will handle 9/16 lines. The XAS top out at 1/2 inch. The hole pattern is different for XTS clutches so check the web site. The CAS clutches are even more money.

[Pblais]

Lewmars are not the same as Spinlock.

[Catamount]

If you go far enough back you can find "Lewmar Spinlock" hardware.

Southern Comfort, I suspect that your device is not a rope clutch but a cam-lock rope stopper.

[SouthernComfort]

Nope I am talking about rope clutches. That is the exact wording on two of my three double rope clutches.

Thanks for the pics

[GordMay]

Not directly responsive, but generally on-topic, see the interesting Practical Sailor article/test report:
Practical Sailor: Rope Clutch Test

[SouthernComfort]

Yep you are right, Mine are the older predecessor of the Spinlock XAS cam type rope clutches. I drove the pin out using a punch and easily installed the new handle without issue.

Thanks for the support. Now to get some sailing in this weekend.
Lon

[ribit5]

Hi SC ...

Saw your post and have to ask where you got replacement handles ... or did you have them for a long time. I have the same clutches with 2 broken handles. Punched out the broken handles last night and now trying to find replacements. So far ... no luck.

Thx
Rob

[SouthernComfort]

ribit5,

I did find 3 new handles in my boat parts box and ordered 3 from "The Chandlery Online" in Canada.

The Chandlery Online: Product: 'SPINLOCK #SA16, SPARE HANDLE'

This reminds me, I probably should order a couple more so I am never without for the next 25 years.

Hope this helps.

[Pblais]

I'm replacing all my XAS clutches. I got them on ebay at about half the Defender.com price. It takes some time as some fools will pay too much. I got some singles and two doubles. The old hole patterns are the same as the new ones. makes for an easy swap. The handles didn't fail me but the pins that hold them broke loose by cracking the bodies. The new ones are much better. Mine were 1991 vintage so that really isn't that bad. You just can't get a clutch that can handle the range of sizes bigger than the XAS unless you want the XTS or the even better CAS. Spinlock really has the market for clutches from all I can tell.

[ribit5]

Thanks guys .... off to spend more (actually less) money.