rev. 7-22-2024
... but I'm guessing you already suspected as much.
This, for $89.00...
West Marine must get some really stupid--pardon me, non-climbers and folks with way too much money--customers, at least from time to time. These are nearly identical in design, meet the same same specifications, and use the same materials of construction. In actuality, the Wichard biner ($89.00) is just a common climbing biner with a silly price.
No, I didn't buy it. I have a life-time supply of biners. I was looking for something else (shackle) which they didn't stock. They only stock the very high-end shackles; you have to special order the more reasonably priced ones....
I am so glad a nice hardware store with an emphasis on marine stuff opened in Deale. They don't have everything, but their fastener selection is fantastic, far better than WM. I got out for less than $5.00 (2 small plastic cleats for a lazy-jack modification), which I always feel good about. The hardware store had the rest.
Some notes about climbing carabiners on boats:
- Don't use screw lock carabiners if you can avoid it. Grit and salt jams the mechanism even if stainless. If they are aluminum the corrosion can be epic. The exception is dedicated equipment for climbing the mast, where climbing carabiners excel. Just avoid getting them wet with seawater, and if they do, rinse. A very light annual greasing wouldn't go amiss. Winch grease is a good choice, but a light spray lube would do.
- Wire gate carabiners resist corrosion many, many, many times better than conventional carabiners. Except for locking carabiners and teher carabiners (also locking) I only use wire gate carabiners.
- Do not use them as D-shackle or snap shackle substitutes up in the rigging. They will clip onto a shroud and you will be hating life.
I use wire gate carabiners for non-critical jobs where they make life easier, and it helps that they are cheap. If I drop one it's okay: I always have a string of spares on hand.
- Secure trolling tackle when fishing.
- Secure spare halyards, anchor shackles, and sheets when not in use. Easier to open and clip with one hand than anything else, at any price.
- Clip spare gear when up the mast. Sometimes to clip sling that secure me in position (swing), but not as a sole means of support (only locking carabiners).
- Secure temporary rodes and docklines. Not for overnight, just for a few minutes while sorting things out. Very handy.
There good reasons climbers always have a few on their belts. Many uses. Just remember they are not substitutes for marine types in most applications.
I've got an article on climbing gear for sailing coming out at some point. Marine prices forced the issue:
- 1" climbing webbing. $0.30/ft vs $2.47/ft.
- Climbing harnesses, relabeled, both by Petzel. $87.00 vs $245.00.
- Slings. $7 vs $35, both Spectra.
I wish we had a local hardware store that put at least a little bit of emphasis on marine stuff. We live in a waterfront community, but the hardware stores haven't scooped up on the opportunity. We're stuck with West Marine, but only shop there when absolutely necessary.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I just subscribed to Practical Sailor and looking forward to receiving it!
Yeah, Home Depot and to a slightly lesser extent Lowes are "home improvement centers", not hardware stores. Big boxes of stuff.
ReplyDeleteThe store in Deale, MD is one of the "Best Deal" chain, which makes the sign into something of a visual pun. They were smart enough to add a marine aisle, boost the SS fastener department, and add to the plumbing in key spots. Not too many hardware stores carry Shields fuel line and sanitary hose!