by GreenLake » Tue Jun 16, 2020 3:41 am
I use zip ties and electrical tape on my spreaders, too - but on the other end. Oh, and hose clamps.
I found that you can make a great jury rig replacement when your spreader bracket pin pulls out of the spreader end. Two/three tails from zip ties form a U around the end of the spreader, holding it against the pin. Hose clamps, hold those plastic strips to the spreader and electrical tape provides UV protection. The jury rigged joint can move in 3D which makes it less prone to damage during mast raising, while not affecting performance (spreaders are loaded on compression, once the rig is under tension, the joint isn't needed). My last jury rig has been up for a decade or so, got tired of replacing the spreaders just because they pulled off the bracket pin.
~ green ~ lake ~ ~