Appropriate sizing of thimbles.

[smiling.shramana]

Matthew, Thanks for your reply. To simplify things. If a thimble is marked 1/2", would it be valid to assume that it was intended for 1/2" line?
Mike

[Matthew Sebring]

Yes, that would be a good indication. There's always a possibility that it could have been mis-made and mis-stamped but that's unlikely. The best indication is how well the line sets in the groove.

[smiling.shramana]

Thanks again for your input. I ordered both galvanized and stainless shackles (to match those that came on respective lines.) The parts ordered are rated heavy duty and came from a commercial fishing supplier, as opposed to a big box store. They are massive compared to the ones currently installed. They are all marked 1/2". These newer shackles would certainly protect the outer radius of the eye due to the line being more deeply set into the thimble.
Mike

[Ian McColgin]

Matt is right that you should look to how the line lies. If the U has a half inch inside diameter then all that's happened is the sides were run up past the more normal 1/2" (for this size) depth. It would give a bit more protection to the line and quite a bit more strength against flattening to the thimble.

G'luck

[smiling.shramana]

I spoke with someone from the supplier where I purchased the thimbles. He told me that it is common for manufacturers to use a smaller sized thimble (cheaper) which leaves more line exposed on the outside of the eye radius. The thimbles I purchased are heavy duty ones and are of the appropriate size. They are also US made and less costly than the ones from the big box store shipped from China.