Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in Review

First Impressions of Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in

The Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in is a seemingly simple piece of hardware, but for anyone who’s ever struggled with boat covers, bimini tops, or other marine canvas applications, it represents a potential solution to a frustrating problem. These small, chrome zamak slides promise easy installation and reliable performance. They’re sold in pairs, which is a practical touch.

My own experience with boat covers has been less than ideal. Snapping them into place always feels like a wrestling match I’m destined to lose, often resulting in ripped canvas or broken snaps. I was specifically looking for a solution that would allow me to easily adjust the tension on my boat cover and make the installation process smoother.

Upon receiving the Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in, my first impression was one of solid construction. The chrome zamak felt surprisingly weighty for its size. The finish was smooth and appeared durable. Initially, I was skeptical about the “quick and simple installation” claim, as marine hardware can sometimes be deceptively complicated.

I considered similar jaw slides from other manufacturers, including some stainless steel options. Ultimately, the Taylor Made product’s price point and the Taylor Made reputation for quality swayed me. The stainless steel options were significantly more expensive.

Overall, I was cautiously optimistic about the Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in. I was hoping they would live up to their promise of easy installation and provide a more secure and adjustable connection point for my boat cover. It was a mix of hope and healthy skepticism.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in on my 18-foot center console boat while installing a new custom-made sunshade. The weather was sunny with a moderate breeze – typical conditions for a day on the water. The slides were intended to connect the sunshade’s support poles to the boat’s railing.

Installation proved to be surprisingly easy. The jaw slides slipped onto the 7/8-inch railing with minimal effort, and the set screws tightened securely. There was no need for any specialized tools beyond a standard screwdriver.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including a few trips out on choppy water, the Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in has held up admirably. There are no signs of rust or corrosion. This speaks well to the quality of the chrome zamak finish.

Cleaning is simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed to remove any saltwater residue. Compared to the old fixed-position hardware I used to use, these slides offer a significant improvement in terms of adjustability and ease of use. They’ve definitely exceeded my expectations in terms of convenience.

Breaking Down the Features of Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in

Specifications

• Material: Chrome Zamak. The chrome finish provides corrosion resistance, important for marine environments.
• Size: 7/8 inch. This refers to the inner diameter of the jaw, designed to fit standard 7/8-inch tubing or railings.
• Installation: Designed for quick and simple installation. This is generally achieved via a set screw mechanism.
• Sold Per: Pair. This is convenient, as most applications require at least two slides.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in’s functionality and suitability for different applications. The chrome zamak needs to withstand the harsh marine environment. The 7/8-inch size dictates which railings or tubing the slide can be used with.

Performance & Functionality

The Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in performs its job effectively. It provides a secure and adjustable connection point for various marine applications. The strength of the zamak material is adequate for most common uses, such as supporting bimini tops, boat covers, and sunshades.

The main strength lies in the ease of installation and adjustment. The set screw mechanism allows for quick repositioning. A minor weakness is that over-tightening the set screw can potentially damage the railing or tubing it’s attached to.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is simple and functional. The chrome finish gives the Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in a clean and professional look. The weight feels substantial without being cumbersome.

There’s no real learning curve involved. Anyone familiar with basic hand tools can easily install and adjust these slides.

Durability & Maintenance

The Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in appears to be durable enough for typical recreational boating use. The chrome finish should provide adequate protection against corrosion, but only time will tell how well it holds up to prolonged exposure to saltwater. Maintenance is minimal.

Occasional cleaning to remove saltwater residue is all that’s required. Replacing the set screw might be necessary after prolonged use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in doesn’t come with any specific accessories beyond the set screws. There are no customization options beyond selecting the appropriate size for your needs. It is compatible with any standard 7/8-inch tubing or railing.

Pros and Cons of Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in

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Who Should Buy Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in?

The Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in is perfect for boat owners looking for an affordable and easy-to-use solution for attaching and adjusting marine accessories. It’s ideal for those who need to frequently adjust their bimini tops, boat covers, or sunshades. DIY boaters will also find these very useful.

Those who need extremely heavy-duty hardware or are operating in highly corrosive environments might want to consider stainless steel alternatives. You might also want to skip this if you need frequent adjustments and want to avoid wear on the screw.

A must-have accessory is a quality screwdriver with the correct size bit for the set screw. Marine grease or anti-seize compound for the threads is also a good idea.

Conclusion on Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in

The Taylor Made Jaw Slide – 7/8in offers a compelling blend of affordability, ease of use, and reasonable durability. While the zamak material may not be as strong as stainless steel, it’s perfectly adequate for most recreational boating applications. The price is definitely justified by the convenience and adjustability it provides.

I would personally recommend this product to any boat owner looking for a simple and effective way to attach and adjust marine accessories. If you’re tired of struggling with fixed-position hardware, give these jaw slides a try. You’ll likely be pleasantly surprised by how much easier they make your boating life. Grab a pair and experience the difference for yourself.