Metal mounts for blocks and dead eyes

[Johnnymike]

I want a metal look for securing blocks and deadeyes to the hull or other rigging parts. I have purchased some manufactured straps and rings but found them fiddly and often not the correct size, fit or look I wanted. I tried bending them myself using wire but still found it difficult to get tight fits and sharp corners around small blocks and dead eyes. I wanted something more malleable to hand form with no tools.
I tried solder and found it works perfectly. It can easily be bent tightly around any shape and be pulled and formed into any end shape or configuration needed.
It is strong enough for holding rigging tight and it can be secured with a drop of C/A.

Especially easy for small parts I have used this on 4mm blocks and 3mm deadeyes
using .015" solder. No heat just C/A.

 

[AllanKP69]

I have purchased some manufactured straps and rings but found them fiddly and often not the correct size, fit or look I wanted.

I am curious to know if anyone has any long term experience using soldering wire.

What kind of wire did you try before the solder John? I can see brass being a pain in the neck to work with at times unless it has been annealed with something as small as a butane cigar torch. Copper is another metal many have found to be a great material with which to work. Uncoated copper wire comes in dozens of diameters and can be blackened in situ with liver of sulfur and is easy to bend and twist by hand or with a simple tweezer.
Allan

 

[Johnnymike]

Allan

I did try copper and brass and they do work but for me not as well.
Even using a butane lighter and tweezers is difficult for me. I have very limited use of my right hand and need to do things a little different some times.

 

[AllanKP69]

Totally understood. I would still give copper a try as it is proven and is really easy to bend and kink and even tight in knots.
Thanks John

 

[Short John Bronze]

On some occasions I have drilled a hole lengthways through a block (avoiding the sheaves) and inserted a shortened eyebolt. This can be opened to form a hook.
The block can be stropped with cord, with or without a loop at the other end. It worked for some 7mm double blocks at the foot of the lower yard halliards.

 

[Johnnymike]

Good ideas

Thanks

 

[TheGatzby]

I tried solder and found it works perfectly

Do you finish/blacken it in anyway? If not, it looks somewhat incongruous.

 

[Johnnymike]

I guess I'm an 'odd duck'. I like the look.

I did go back and retry copper wire and it is about as workable
for me as solder, but again I just like the look of flat gray metal.