Heavily corroded tramp grommets... :: Catamaran Sailboats at TheBeachcats.com

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Heavily corroded tramp grommets...

car_guy

Rank: Mate

Registered: Sep 25, 2010

Last visit: Oct 12, 2023

Posts: 180
Posted: Dec 27, 2011 - 05:40 PM

I was given a tramp for my H18 that is in excellent shape except for the grommets. The grommits have thick green/white oxidation, similar to what is seen on battery terminals. I tried a wire brush which gets the loose stuff off but leaves the grommet white looking. I read that simple green works well on corrosion and vinger+salt solution works best. Are either of these bad for the vinyl? Could the heavy corrosion have weakend the grommet enough where I should look into replacing them?
dichtbijzee

Rank: Mate

Registered: Jun 08, 2009

Last visit: Aug 19, 2013

Posts: 132
Posted: Dec 28, 2011 - 04:05 AM

You really need to replace those grommets. It's not that expensive and not that hard. Get stainless grommets next.
One of the worst things is grommet failure while sailing, the whole trampoline just rips apart!

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Stefan, Denmark.
H14,H16,P16,P18,SC17,N5.8
Team StaySail
http://www.staysail.eu
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car_guy

Rank: Mate

Registered: Sep 25, 2010

Last visit: Oct 12, 2023

Posts: 180
Posted: Dec 28, 2011 - 09:32 AM

What is the best way to remove the old grommets? Should I go up in size for the new grommets so they have fresh material to grab onto?
klozhald

Rank: Chief

Registered: Apr 19, 2011

Last visit: Sep 25, 2024

Posts: 1459
Posted: Dec 28, 2011 - 12:07 PM

Honestly, if the grommets are holding and they are just ugly, then clean them up and sail!

from the webCut a fresh lemon into two halves and de-seed it. Sprinkle some table salt over the pulp of the half lemon and rub it on the surface of the brass item. Within no time, you can see the brass material getting back its natural shine and brand new look. This cleanser is particularly good if the brass surface is in a badly corroded condition.

It sounds like vinegar and salt would give the same result. Neither will hurt the tramp unless you leave it on for weeks. Brush everything off you can first, then use the vinegar or lemon. Overnight should be enough. Maybe twice.

If you are determined to replace them, pay a pro to do it, if it can even be done in your situation. Solid vinyl tramp material is more tolerant than mesh.

Don't even read this unless you are as poor and stupid as I was when I tried it...Removing the old grommets is tricky.
You need a drill bit big enough to remove the inside metal, but the grommet still won't come off. A correctly placed spur grommet has layers and layers of folded metal holding it together and teeth that grip the fabric internally. Getting one of these off without causing more damage is not easy. You will have to work the two sides apart and then assess the damage.
You will probably need bigger ones as replacements. Brass grommets will work fine. Stainless ones take much harder pounding to set correctly, are more expensive but will not corrode as fast. Nickel grommets are NOT stainless and are seldom seen in marine applications. Either way, unless you work with an anvil every day, it will take you more than all weekend just to pound in the new ones.

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Sheet In!
Bob
_/)_____/)_/)____/)____/)_____/)/)__________/)__
Prindle 18-2 #244 "Wakizashi"
Prindle 16 #3690 "Pegasus" Sold (sigh)
AZ Multihull Fleet 42 member
(Way) Past Commodore of Prindle Fleet 14
Arizona, USA
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Wolfman

Rank: Chief

Registered: Jun 24, 2009

Last visit: Jun 15, 2023

Posts: 1555
Posted: Dec 28, 2011 - 05:28 PM

If it is the green/white oxidation and you test the grommets and they are secure and solid you can probably get away with cleaning the corrosion off. Unless the spurs in the grommets are corroded through they should be fine. Just make sure there is no play between the grommet and the fabric which would indicate that the fabric itself could be failing. You can use lemon juice, brasso or a silver cleaner to get the corrosion off. Vinegar will work but may take a few applications. If you can avoid removing the grommets that would be ideal. Another option is to install new brass grommets half way between the old ones for some extra insurance (you really need a press to install stainless grommets). I would avoid removing the old grommets, that is just asking for frustration and a ruined tramp.

Regards,
Dave

--
Dave Bonin
1981 Nacra 5.2 "Lucile"
1986 Nacra 5.7 "Belle"
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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