Cable Railings - Identifying Problems
Cable railings need vigilance constantly. The knocks and bashes that these lengths of sailing hardware receives is significant. On yachts and within the coastal environment, type 1-19 stainless steel is used for in fill material between stanchions.
<<>> Each length is made up of multiple strands interwoven together. This increases the tensile strength and enhances durability. The width used for rigging and stanchions is different. The stainless steel used between guard posts is not as tough and durable as that for rigging. The forces at work are different.
What makes the job of this component so tough? Well it's the marine environment being very salty, lots of sunshine and rain, but also sailors themselves. Looking at each in turn: Even though stainless steel has great marine qualities, over time the salt, rain and sunshine take there toll.
Rust patches develop and this indicates compromise. The other consideration is split strands. These can found by rubbing them with cotton balls and searching for bits of fluff attached by the split wires.
Sailors along with the marine environment are equally to blame. Ever grabbed the deck railing whilst getting on to the boat? So have thousands of other mariners. Not on your boat, but globally.
The effect this has is wearing through the stranded wire where it meets the stanchions. Also it puts pressure on the stanchion mounting, undermining that too. Checking your wires regularly is paramount - they are there for good reason!
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