Heavily corroded tramp grommets...
-
- Rank: Mate
- Registered: Sep 25, 2010
- Last visit: Oct 12, 2023
- Posts: 180
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? -
- Rank: Mate
- Registered: Jun 08, 2009
- Last visit: Aug 19, 2013
- Posts: 132
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!
--
Stefan, Denmark.
H14,H16,P16,P18,SC17,N5.8
Team StaySail
http://www.staysail.eu
-- -
- Rank: Mate
- Registered: Sep 25, 2010
- Last visit: Oct 12, 2023
- Posts: 180
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? -
- Rank: Chief
- Registered: Apr 19, 2011
- Last visit: Sep 25, 2024
- Posts: 1459
Honestly, if the grommets are holding and they are just ugly, then clean them up and sail!
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.
--
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
-- -
- Rank: Chief
- Registered: Jun 24, 2009
- Last visit: Jun 15, 2023
- Posts: 1555
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
--