Spreader boot alternative
 

Do spreader boots have any purpose other than chafe protection?

Instead of the rubber spreader boots so many people use, would it be okay to use 3-strand nylon line, wrapped around the spreader tip to prevent chafe? It seems like it would be inexpensive, less likely to trap water, and classy-looking-if-done-well.

Jim

This is a bit like asking if Kevlar vests have any other purpose than bullet protection. They don't; you just want to make sure they do the job. In the case of booties, the softer, smoother and wider radiused, within reason, the better. It would also be good if the covering did not create a corrosive environment. On both counts, the now-conventional rubber booties score well, as they are fairly smooth, quite soft, and are secured at three short points, so water is not likely to accumulate for long.
Leather booties are far handsomer, but thinner, so less radius. And when sewn up properly can, I am afraid, trap water, promoting corrosion.
Nylon wrapping would be even worse, partly because there would be so many turns bearing on the wire, and partly because nylon is notably water-absorbent.
You might consider spreader "wheels" as an alternative to boots. They might be best of all.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss