slipping winches

[j34035]

I have chrome bronze Barient self tailing winches on my J/37 and under a load, they slip when I am grinding. Any ideas on how to gain traction on the drums?
DD

[PaulfromNWOnt]

How many turns do you have on them when you're grinding? My first thought is to add one more.

HTH

[mm2187]

Is the "line surface" unusually smooth. try putting another line you have on them...Your halyard/sheets might be old. Try a different line.

[j34035]

I have tried all that, as many wraps as I can get and changing to different lines. BTW, the VPC is the worst of the bunch as far as slipping and plain old double braid dacron is the best. Larger is better also, but I dont want to be using large line just to keep the winches from slipping.
DD

[PaulfromNWOnt]

Then likely your drums are smooth to the point where they won't grip the line. Sadly, I don't know the remedy other than replacement.

[HUGOSALT]

Doug, Although unorthodox try purchasing non skid material
that one might stick on a compaignway ladder...cut it to fit around
the drums and see if you don't get some trackion.
Good luck, Hugo

[puddinlegs]

Originally Posted by PaulfromNWOnt

Then likely your drums are smooth to the point where they won't grip the line. Sadly, I don't know the remedy other than replacement.

There are machine shops that will texture the drums for you... no need to throw good winches out.

[paulk]

Puddinlegs has the right idea - the winches could be rescored. You could try to achieve the same result with nonskid material (as suggested) or nonskid paint, but that might look really hokey and might actually grip the line too well. (You want the wraps to come off when you tack, and pretty quick, too!). Attacking the drums with a sharp file or a drill-mounted wire wheel might also work. If you're patient and have a steady hand, that might be a less expensive option, and wouldn't require demounting the drums.

Another possible issue could be that the jaws on the self-tailing mechanism need to be adjusted. If you've been using different sized lines, the jaw spacing could have been affected. (I was going to suggest getting someone stronger to do the tailing...)

[jackdale]

In what condition is the gripper on your self-tailing winches? The fact that larger lines work better might be a hint.

[Faster]

I'm with Jack... if they are self tailers then it would seem the problem would be there.