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kc8pql
06-18-2008, 08:13 PM
Anybody have a good way to unbend knock on Swedish sail hanks. I've been messing around for about an hour now trying to pry the hook open enough to get a hank off one of my jibs. I don't have a vice handy to hold it with at the moment. About all I've managed so far is to narrowly miss jabbing a screwdriver through my hand a few times. I'd just cut them off with a Dremel tool but I don't think the heat generated would do the sailcloth much good. Any ideas?
John B
06-18-2008, 08:21 PM
Vice grips and a big screwdriver to lever the bronze finger open.
sv Lorelei
06-18-2008, 08:23 PM
Vice grips and a big screwdriver to lever the bronze finger open.

Ditto!
Jay Greer
06-18-2008, 08:28 PM
Flat billed circlip pliers.
Jay
kc8pql
06-18-2008, 08:28 PM
Thanks, but I just got it off. Don't have any visegrips here either but I found a 10" wooden handscrew to clamp it and was able to hold it with that and knock it open with a blunt cold chisel and a hammer against a piece of scrap steel.
JimConlin
06-18-2008, 08:51 PM
Do they still make the kind that are seized/stitched on? They had two small eyelets and the luff rope was captured in a seizing between them. I spent many happy hours...
kc8pql
06-18-2008, 09:13 PM
Do they still make the kind that are seized/stitched on? They had two small eyelets and the luff rope was captured in a seizing between them. I spent many happy hours...

Yes, they do but for some reason that I don't understand they cost about twice as much.
Todd Bradshaw
06-18-2008, 10:47 PM
That is pretty curious and it carries all the way down to the wholesale prices. Could be they aren't making them any more and the distributors have decided to stick it to those unfortunate individuals who still need some. Wouldn't be the first time for traditional hardware. Next time, try the Wichard one-handed variety. I think you'll like them a lot better than piston-pull snaps.
Songololo
06-19-2008, 04:05 PM
Tod, is this the Wichard one handed variety that you are referring to:

http://www.toplicht.de/jpeg/1249050.JPG

Toplicht in Germany stock this and other types:

Sew on piston:
http://www.toplicht.de/jpeg/1966050.JPG

Crimp on piston:
http://www.toplicht.de/jpeg/1969050.JPG

Never seen this type before:
http://www.toplicht.de/jpeg/1970080.JPG

A Merriman bronze version:
http://www.toplicht.de/jpeg/1970180B.JPG
Todd Bradshaw
06-19-2008, 04:14 PM
Yep, those are the Wichard version. They certainly spoiled me after I tried them.
John B
06-19-2008, 04:28 PM
I always keep a chain of old sail hanks going. Use em for all sorts. Clips for the runners to shrouds. boom tent etc .