[dyslexic dog]

Has anyone taken their bolt cutters and tried using them when it is not a panic situation? After the 2002 Mac I heard rumors about the crew of the SC70 that used a hack saw for clearing their 1" rod rigging. Though it was weird not to have a tool that would blow thru the stuff quickly. Well, I had to eat crow last Weds. when I tried to cut thru 3/16 steering cable on my boat with my "HD" bolt cutters. Not what I expected. I'm going to make sure I have a hacksaw also. Any other suggestions and costs.

[Slyguy]

Hey Doggy
There is a one handed, self contained, Hydraulic "bolt" cutter that (I think) the VOR and VG guys carry for just this situation.
Basically a bad ass cutting head powered by a hydraulic gear pump.

http://www.pwrc.usgs.../RSET/bolt2.jpg

This is one example, there are others.

Good Luck

Slyguy

[spike]

This is a good area for experimentation because even hacksaws on rod rigging can be slow or completely ineffective....the blade type is very important. If you need to cut some big rod in a hurry, carry a 4" grinder with a cut-off wheel attached....run off inverter....

[wizard]

Have you ever tried cutting s/s rod rigging with a hacksaw or boltcutters. Hydraulic cutters are a must!!! Also good idea for offshore racing, if you have generator , is a grinder.

[Presuming Ed]

The Shootit has been well reviewed in the UK boaty press. Uses nailgun blanks.

http://www.toolova.d...shootit12_e.htm

http://www.toolova.de/Bilder_k/shootitmastbruch_220.jpg

[Bort]

Nice. Powder-actuated is where its at.

[Jerry]

Practical Sailor had a review of various cutters a couple of issues back. If memory serves the Shhotit ended up as the most effective solution.

[wraith]

Presuming Ed, on Mar 26 2004, 02:52 PM, said:

The Shootit has been well reviewed in the UK boaty press. Uses nailgun blanks.

http://www.toolova.d...shootit12_e.htm

http://www.toolova.de/Bilder_k/shootitmastbruch_220.jpg

Nice - but it wont touch Nitronic rods - I asked and was told you end up with a semi circular indent in the cutters.

Bolt cutters also wont touch Nitronic, short of hydraulics or angle grinders, only cobalt hacksaws will make an impression on them - BUT many racing rules still require bolt cutters - even if they wont work!

Thats why I wanted PBO rigging on the new boat - a sharp knife is all thats needed.

[7.9 sailor]

Dys,
The Shootit 12 is available at Rigging only for $495. Includes TTT storage case. Cuts wire shrouds up tio 14mm (.55 inch), cuts rod up to -22 (.375 inch). No gun license necessary (you can't shoot yourself in the foot but you may take a finger off). I have catalog for you.

[longy]

Don't cut the rod - cut the TURNBUCKLE!! Navtec t/b's have bronze studs & can be hacksawed easily. If you have all ss t/b's, plan on pulling the clevis pins out. Never bend the cotter pins more than 15* open (this tip goes all the way back to Rd Stephens), carry two sets of tools. A pair of duck billed pliers, a big tapered drift, hammer, & a cotter pin tool (looks like a very thick ice pick with the tip bent 90*). Use the pliers to straighten out the cotter, stick the cotter pin tool in the rounded end of the cotter, give it a mild blow with the hammer & pins out. Hold the drift against the clevis pin & whack it good & it's gone. If drift is jammed in by loaded rigging grab it with vice grips so you can whack it back out.

[5150]

wraith, on Mar 26 2004, 04:30 PM, said:

Thats why I wanted PBO rigging on the new boat - a sharp knife is all thats needed.

That's EXACTLY why I don't want PBO rigging.

[boguing]

I've only dropped one rig, but I just took the clevis pins out. Got the lot back on board, all OK and re-used except the tube, and of course, the sails got ermm.. damaged.

[wraith]

5150, on Mar 26 2004, 05:57 PM, said:

wraith, on Mar 26 2004, 04:30 PM, said:

Thats why I wanted PBO rigging on the new boat - a sharp knife is all thats needed.

That's EXACTLY why I don't want PBO rigging.

The light weight was appealing - but the durability didnt seem good enough and the mast maker hadnt got patterns for the different spreader tips, so I've stayed with rods. Maybe next time.

[Craic]

How 'bout $50 for a cordless Dremmel

http://www.dremel.co...01&Color=99CCFF

[Waterpilot]

J35Craic, on Mar 26 2004, 08:38 PM, said:

How 'bout $50 for a cordless Dremmel

http://www.dremel.co...01&Color=99CCFF

Horrible idea... you would be there forever as your rigging holes the shit out of your boat.


Other than Landfall Navigation where can one pick up Hydraulic cutters?