19/64" 1x19 Followup
 

Hello all,
In a previous thread, one of our readers asked if there were such a thing as 19/64" 1x19. I assumed he just didn't know how to measure correctly, and said so. But rather than call me a patronizing so-and-so, he sent me a sample of said wire, complete with receipt, and sure enough it is 19/64" diameter.
Which doesn't exist. Or rather, no official metric or rational sizes match that diameter. the manufacturer's stock number on the receipt that accompanied the wire is for 9/32", which is a full 1/64" smaller than the actual wire. Upon closer examination, I found that the helix angle of the surface yarns was significantly more angled than that on a piece of actual 9/32" that we had in the shop. Further, the lay of the odd wire is not smooth; the surface has periodic bumps in it. From this I conclude that someone was not paying attention during the laying up process. This is Loos wire, bought from West Marine. So if you are going to buy some of this wire, you might want to take a caliper gauge with you, and take a good look at the lay of the wire, too. This is load-bearing stuff, and we need manufacturers to adhere to tight standards!
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

19/64" 1x19 Followup - Where is the Good Wire?
 

Riggers,
Being currently in the market for replacement 316 stainless 9/32" 1x19 wire, where does one find the right stuff? What has worked for you?

Given Brion's comments regarding a reputable vendor selling a reputable brand of wire, and having it come up ... well, ..odd, how do I successfully mail order wire to myself in Alaska? Might someone recommend a favorite brand or vendor likely to yield quality results?

James Lavery
s/v Hoku Ke'a
Anchorage, Alaska