Used Norseman and Sta-lok fittings

I came across a web site that sells used boat gear and they have alot of used mechanical rigging fittings( www.whateverfloatsyourboat.ca). Is it hard to disassemble used fittings? and are new cones expensive?

Hi There,

I'd be leery of used mechanical fittings. I've noticed over the years here at the shop that nearly all that we took apart in hopes of re-using had enough rust, fatigue, whatever, to make us seriously doubt their usefulness and safety again. We've also noticed that alot of "amateur" installations are frequently lacking in the sealant department. But we've also seen some first class jobs from dedicated owners. I guess that not knowing how they were used the first time around would be enough for me to keep from re-using the fittings.

New cones are not expensive at all, and new norseman fittings average 35$ or so depending on sizes - if you are getting new wire, I'd think it false economy to buy used fittings.

best,

jason

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
If they're properly-installed, and if they are the right size, and if the rig was kept tuned, and if the stays were toggled right, if everything was the way it is supposed to be, re-use is a great thing. But clearly this is not the way to bet. So get the best deal on new fittings (we like Hayn's best), and do everything right. Then, years from now, you can re-use them.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

I've been absent from this discussion board for quite a while, Brion, but the last time I looked, you were still expressiong a preference for StaLok
Cheeers
john

[Brion Toss]

Hi there,
Sta-Loks are excellent terminals, and we still have frequent need of them, but we've found that Hayn's are measurably stronger, even easier to install, prettier, and the factory is far more responsive to our requests (we've been trying to get Sta-Lok to come up with a stemball fitting for decades; Hayn will have one this summer). So I have nothing against Sta-Loks, just a preference for Hayn's.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss