Let’s Talk About C. Sherman Johnson Wrap Pins Velcro Pin Locking Devices f/Open Body Turnbuckles 5/16in & 3/8in
For anyone who’s ever dealt with the frustration of wrestling with cotter pins on turnbuckles, the C. Sherman Johnson Wrap Pins Velcro Pin Locking Devices f/Open Body Turnbuckles 5/16in & 3/8in promise a welcome alternative. These simple devices, manufactured by C. Sherman Johnson, aim to provide a quick and easy way to secure your turnbuckles without the hassle of traditional pins. They work on open body turnbuckles, and C. Sherman Johnson’s own positive locking slotted tubular turnbuckles.
My own journey to finding these little lifesavers began with a recurring nightmare: endless hours spent replacing rigging on my old sailboat. The cotter pins were always a pain – fiddly, easy to lose overboard, and sometimes downright dangerous when working in rough seas. I’d seen similar locking solutions on high-end racing yachts but figured they were way out of my price range; these Wrap Pins seemed like an affordable middle ground.
Unboxing them was surprisingly… uneventful. They’re simple black straps with integrated pins – not exactly something to write home about aesthetically. However, the Velcro felt strong and the pins seemed sturdy enough. They were lighter than I expected, which initially raised some concerns about their longevity, but I was eager to give them a try.
Compared to traditional cotter pins, these are galaxies apart in terms of ease of use. I considered quick-release pins with lanyards, but the C. Sherman Johnson Wrap Pins Velcro Pin Locking Devices f/Open Body Turnbuckles 5/16in & 3/8in seemed less prone to snagging and offered a more streamlined solution. I chose these hoping to save time and reduce the risk of losing critical rigging components. My first impression was cautious optimism; they looked promising, but the real test would be how they performed under stress.
Real-World Testing: Putting C. Sherman Johnson Wrap Pins Velcro Pin Locking Devices f/Open Body Turnbuckles 5/16in & 3/8in to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was on the standing rigging of my 32-foot sailboat, specifically the forestay and backstay turnbuckles. I tested them while moored, giving the boat a shakedown in moderate wind. The installation was incredibly simple: adjust the turnbuckle, insert the pin, and wrap the Velcro strap tightly around the body.
The ease of use was immediately apparent. No more struggling with pliers or needle-nose pliers to bend cotter pins into place. The C. Sherman Johnson Wrap Pins Velcro Pin Locking Devices f/Open Body Turnbuckles 5/16in & 3/8in went on in seconds. There were no initial issues, even with a bit of spray from passing boats. The straps stayed securely fastened.
However, I did notice a slight concern. Under load, the Velcro seemed to stretch ever so slightly. It wasn’t enough to cause any immediate alarm, but I made a mental note to keep a close eye on it during extended use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full sailing season (approximately six months of regular use, including coastal cruising and a few overnight passages), I can offer a more comprehensive assessment. The good news is that the C. Sherman Johnson Wrap Pins Velcro Pin Locking Devices f/Open Body Turnbuckles 5/16in & 3/8in are still functioning. However, some wear and tear is definitely visible.
The Velcro has begun to lose some of its stickiness, particularly on the straps exposed to direct sunlight. While they still hold securely, they require a bit more effort to fasten tightly. Saltwater exposure hasn’t seemed to negatively impact the pin itself, but the stitching on the Velcro straps is showing signs of degradation.
Maintaining them is simple – a quick rinse with freshwater after each sail is all they need. However, I’m not convinced they’ll last for multiple seasons, especially in harsh marine environments. Compared to traditional cotter pins, these offer superior convenience but inferior longevity. The cotter pins might be annoying, but they last almost indefinitely.
Breaking Down the Features of C. Sherman Johnson Wrap Pins Velcro Pin Locking Devices f/Open Body Turnbuckles 5/16in & 3/8in
Specifications
- The C. Sherman Johnson Wrap Pins Velcro Pin Locking Devices f/Open Body Turnbuckles 5/16in & 3/8in are designed for use with open body turnbuckles. They also work with Johnson’s positive locking, slotted tubular turnbuckles.
- They are designed for turnbuckles with 5/16″ and 3/8″ threads. This is critical – ensure compatibility with your specific turnbuckle size!
- The pin diameter is 3/32″. This provides adequate shear strength for the intended application.
- The color is black. This is purely aesthetic and doesn’t affect performance.
- Manufacturer: C. Sherman Johnson. A company known for its marine hardware.
These specifications are important because they dictate the compatibility and strength of the locking device. If you try to use them on turnbuckles that are too large or too small, you risk damaging the pin or compromising the security of your rigging. Always double-check compatibility before purchasing!
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the C. Sherman Johnson Wrap Pins Velcro Pin Locking Devices f/Open Body Turnbuckles 5/16in & 3/8in is to secure turnbuckles and prevent them from loosening due to vibration or accidental adjustment. They achieve this goal reasonably well, offering a significant improvement in convenience over cotter pins. They are easy to install and remove, making rigging adjustments much faster.
However, their long-term reliability is a concern. The Velcro is the weak point, and its degradation over time can compromise the security of the turnbuckle. I would rate their performance as good for short-term or light-duty applications, but less suitable for demanding or extended use. They meet expectations for ease of use but fall short in terms of durability.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional. The Velcro strap is easy to grip, even with wet hands, and the pin is easily inserted and removed. The light weight is a benefit, as it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the rigging.
However, the overall build quality is somewhat lacking. The materials feel inexpensive, and the stitching on the Velcro straps could be more robust. There’s no real learning curve; anyone can figure out how to use them in seconds.
Durability & Maintenance
As previously mentioned, durability is a major concern. The Velcro is likely to degrade within a few seasons, especially in harsh marine environments. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick rinse with freshwater after each use.
Repair is not really an option; once the Velcro fails, the entire unit needs to be replaced. Consider these disposable locking devices.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no accessories that come with the C. Sherman Johnson Wrap Pins Velcro Pin Locking Devices f/Open Body Turnbuckles 5/16in & 3/8in, and there are no customization options available. What you see is what you get. They are designed to be a simple, self-contained solution.
They are generally not compatible with accessories from other brands, as they are designed for specific turnbuckle sizes.
Pros and Cons of C. Sherman Johnson Wrap Pins Velcro Pin Locking Devices f/Open Body Turnbuckles 5/16in & 3/8in
Pros
- Easy to install and remove, saving significant time on rigging adjustments.
- More convenient than traditional cotter pins.
- Lightweight and low-profile design.
- Affordable alternative to more expensive locking solutions.
- Works with both open body and C. Sherman Johnson slotted tubular turnbuckles.
Cons
- Velcro degrades over time, reducing its holding power.
- Not as durable as traditional cotter pins.
- Limited lifespan, especially in harsh marine environments.
- No repair options; requires replacement when the Velcro fails.
Who Should Buy C. Sherman Johnson Wrap Pins Velcro Pin Locking Devices f/Open Body Turnbuckles 5/16in & 3/8in?
The C. Sherman Johnson Wrap Pins Velcro Pin Locking Devices f/Open Body Turnbuckles 5/16in & 3/8in are perfect for casual sailors or powerboaters who prioritize convenience over long-term durability. They are also suitable for applications where frequent rigging adjustments are necessary. This includes racing sailors who need to fine-tune their rigging between races.
Who should skip this product? Those who require a highly durable and reliable locking solution, such as long-distance cruisers or offshore sailors, should stick with traditional cotter pins or invest in higher-end locking devices.
A must-have accessory would be spare sets of these C. Sherman Johnson Wrap Pins Velcro Pin Locking Devices f/Open Body Turnbuckles 5/16in & 3/8in as they are a consumable product.
Conclusion on C. Sherman Johnson Wrap Pins Velcro Pin Locking Devices f/Open Body Turnbuckles 5/16in & 3/8in
The C. Sherman Johnson Wrap Pins Velcro Pin Locking Devices f/Open Body Turnbuckles 5/16in & 3/8in offer a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional cotter pins for securing turnbuckles. While they excel in ease of use, their limited lifespan and the degradation of the Velcro are significant drawbacks.
At a price of $16.73, the value proposition is reasonable, considering the convenience they offer. However, buyers should be aware that they will likely need to be replaced every few seasons. I would personally recommend them for casual sailors or those who value convenience over long-term durability.
For serious offshore work, stick with cotter pins. But if you’re tired of wrestling with those fiddly little pieces of metal, give these a try. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them and replace them when necessary. Save yourself the headache of cotter pins – give the C. Sherman Johnson Wrap Pins Velcro Pin Locking Devices f/Open Body Turnbuckles 5/16in & 3/8in a try!