[seawolf]

Thanks for all the hints.
Unfortunately I am all out of nuclear devices and plastic explosives.
At the chain plates I was suprised to find that when I went to pull the cotters, one of them crumbled to bits in my pliers. I wasn't even able to get it out with a punch, as it was welded to the inside of the clevis. Wow, am I glad I decided to rerig. At deck level my dremel with a cutting wheel did fine work cutting the ends of the pin on the one that was frozen, and then just replaced the pin. They looked to be bronze cotters.. Anyways, I will look for the tools mentioned. I have already purchased a pair of rigger pliers from Brion's shop and they have given a good grips on the heads.

One more thing I would like to ask, this regarding the spreader tips. When removing the spreader boot I noticed on the aluminum spreader tip fitting that there is a hole going horizontally through it with a cotter pin that doesn't allow the shroud to pop out. Is this hole generally used for a serving to tie the spreader to the proper angle, or should I reinstall the cotter for this and possibly drill a couple more holes through the spreader tip to apply a serving.
The wooden spreader is very narrow at the tip, only three quarter of an inch and I do not want to drill holes if it may weaken the end of the spreader.





Fair winds, and a very merry holiday to all.
Bob