Sta-Lok or ?

[killarney_sailor]

I have no experience with user-installed wire terminals like Sta-Lok, Noresman or others. I have to shorten my running backstays and thought that it would be a good opportunity to learn about these. Does anyone have recommendations about which ones are easiest to use, most reliable - are they basically the same or are there significant differences that I should know about?

Thanks

[sailingdog]

I like the Hayn HiMods, since they're a bit simpler to use IMHO. They have a crown ring that the wire ends slip into, and it is easier to fit them properly than the StaLocks or Norseman fittings. None of the various brands is all that difficult to use though.

[Paul_L]

Originally Posted by killarney_sailor

I have no experience with user-installed wire terminals like Sta-Lok, Noresman or others. I have to shorten my running backstays and thought that it would be a good opportunity to learn about these. Does anyone have recommendations about which ones are easiest to use, most reliable - are they basically the same or are there significant differences that I should know about?

Thanks

Sta-Loks are reasonably easy to install and last a long time. If this is running backs you are doing, why not switch to rope for them? Less chafe on the sails, long life, probably cheaper to install then wire. Look at lines like Amsteel.

Paul L

[knothead]

Originally Posted by killarney_sailor

I have no experience with user-installed wire terminals like Sta-Lok, Noresman or others. I have to shorten my running backstays and thought that it would be a good opportunity to learn about these. Does anyone have recommendations about which ones are easiest to use, most reliable - are they basically the same or are there significant differences that I should know about?

Thanks

Check out the Suncor quick attach fittings before you make your final decision. Probably the simplest to install and from what I understand, one of the strongest.

[killarney_sailor]

Originally Posted by Paul_L

Sta-Loks are reasonably easy to install and last a long time. If this is running backs you are doing, why not switch to rope for them? Less chafe on the sails, long life, probably cheaper to install then wire. Look at lines like Amsteel.

Paul L

The wire stays are already there and in virtually new condition. For some reason, the POs of my boat (Bristol 45.5) led the runners through a turning block (not a particuarly good lead at that) and then to secondary cockpit winches. I am going to use tackles for the runners and need to make each about 18" shorter. I might consider Amsteel or something similar for a future update

[sailboy21]

Hi-mods are very easy to install and unlike the other terminals they are completely reusable. I had to buy one Norseman fitting due to a backorder at Hayn... Compared to the hi-mods it was way more complicated to install and had a lesser finish quality to it.

But for running backstays: go synthetic. I have had a set of amsteel stays that have aged quite well. They are easy to splice, very low stretch, and best of all easy to take down and stow bellow.

[Valiente]

I have dacron running backstays and blocks, Bruce, as well as twin wire stays...probably overkill. I also have Sta-Loks all around that are really solid looking.

I think between Sta-Lok, Hayn, and Norseman, it's the rigger that makes the difference, not the terminal. I have rarely heard of one of these terminals failing unless, you know, the wire was falling to bits.

I have heard of Suncor in terms of chain and shackles, not terminals, so can't comment.

[sailingdog]

If you're doing the installation yourself, the Hayn HiMod are far simpler to use... the crown ring makes getting the wire seated properly much simpler.

If you're paying a rigger to do it... you're short-changing yourself, since you're not going to have a rigger if the rigging fails out on the water. Also, if you go with the Norseman or StaLoks....carry extra cones.

Originally Posted by Valiente

I have dacron running backstays and blocks, Bruce, as well as twin wire stays...probably overkill. I also have Sta-Loks all around that are really solid looking.

I think between Sta-Lok, Hayn, and Norseman, it's the rigger that makes the difference, not the terminal. I have rarely heard of one of these terminals failing unless, you know, the wire was falling to bits.

I have heard of Suncor in terms of chain and shackles, not terminals, so can't comment.

[RichP]

My local rigger recomends Sta-Lok over Norseman for the self fitting, i can't remember the exact reason, but it was something about Norseman having a slight flaw that would let them split in some circumstances or something. I would take that with a pinch of salt because Sta-Loks cost more here and i wouldn't put it past him!

Properly installed both should be ok, and both are easy to fit.

[knothead]

I also would recommend Staloc over Norseman if the choice were between the two. I've seen fewer failures with Staloc.
Some of the newer fittings like the Quick Attach are different in that you don't have to unlay the wire when assembling.
As I mentioned in another thread, I haven't had any reason to start using the fittings in my business but if they work as advertized, I can see some real advantages for the do it yourselfer.

I haven't really used the product yet and therefore can't recommend it but if they want to send me a couple, I'll try them out.

Here's a video that shows the fittings and how they are assembled.