Hardware FAQs

I have changed my halyard and now my clutches won't hold the new rope

The greater the line diameter, the greater the load holding. If you have reduced the rope diameter then you may need to consider either a rope core insert or sleeved cover to increase diameter in the clutching area. Your rigger will be able to arrange this. When rope is produced some lubricants are used in the manufacture, which can often effect rope holding performance. These lubricants can be washed out of the rope in the clutching area and once removed performance should improve. Check also the clutch or jammer is free of dirt and debris and parts not showing signs of wear.

What are the benefits of Ceramic coated Cams, Bases and Jaws in my Rope Holding Products?

Ceramic coated parts create a rougher surface texture on the gripping surface. As well as improved take up of a loaded line, this offers more consistent rope holding on performance line covers containing fibres such as Vectran, Technora, Kevlar and PBO. A 15-20% improvement in rope holding can be expected. Ceramic coatings also provide greater resistance to wear and heat which can build up during frequent high speed manoeuvres. Generally, if you have upgraded to higher performance lines containing specialist fibres it is recommended that the Cam, Base or Jaws is also upgraded to match this modern rope technology.

Ceramic Cam and Base upgrades are available for the XCS, XTS and XX clutches and Ceramic Coated Jaws Sets are available for XX and ZS rope holding ranges.

Can you convert a single unit clutch to a double or triple unit?

It is not possible to convert clutches into different configurations

What lubrication should I use on my clutches?

Spinlock recommend using fresh water to remove dirt and debris from your rope holding products. Remove ropes and flush with as much water as possible. On XAS, XTS and XCS clutches a light grease can be used on the handle bearing to keep a smooth action. ZS Jammers as well as benefiting from plenty of water flushing also require a light grease on the upper and lower bearing surfaces. With all Spinlock rope holding products, routine maintenance will help give consistent rope holding.  

Why do you recommend Silicone sealant as opposed to polyurethane or polysulphide?

Pure silicone is recommended for mounting clutches and Jammers to seal fastener holes against water ingress. Polyurethane and polysulphide as well as being an adhesive can also damage plastic parts they come into contact with.

Will RP25 rope coating improve my rope holding performance?

RP25 rope coating helps improve the interaction of the rope cover and rope core, which will in turn offer better rope holding performance in clutches and jammers.

Can I use 6mm line in a PXR0810?

6mm line can be used in the PXR0810, but like in all rope holding products, best load holding performance is achieved the greater the diameter of the line.

Do newer model clutches use the same drill template as older models?

Most newer model spinlock clutches use the same drill template as older models that they are updating, but customers should always check by downloading the latest drill template from the website. 

What is the difference between a clutch and a jammer?

Clutches allow the line to be released by opening the handle and the handle can be opened under load. Spinlock recommend taking the load safely on a winch, even when using a clutch. With a jammer the load will always end to be taken safely on a winch before the jammer handles can be opened and rope released. 

Sense Load Cells - Calibration

•  ISO9000 and many other standards specify the maximum period between re-calibration as once every two years and more frequently if the instrument deterioration is significant during that period (typically more than 1%.)

•  Many load cell users adopt an annual calibration as the standard interval to ensure that measurements are always as accurate as possible, which is particularly important if they are being used for safety critical applications.

•  However, although many load cell users choose annual calibration, very few do a comparison between the current calibration and the previous calibration to determine the degree of accuracy drop-off.

•  This is a highly useful exercise, as the results can be used to determine a more suitable re-calibration time period, which may be even be more frequently than one year if the load cell is being used in a particularly harsh environment or arduous operational conditions (high vibration levels, excessive cyclic loading).

•  If the load cell is used infrequently, it may not be necessary to re-calibrate it every 2 years. The accuracy required for each load cell’s specific application, and risks associated with it’s use, should also be considered when deciding how often to re-calibrate a unit.