Rope rings, or ring cushions, control the direction of the rope on deck without a separate block – a simple but effective solution for situations where the rope only needs a change of direction, not an actual rotating guide, for example when routing sail angle or trim lines.
Rutgerson manufactures aluminum ring springs in four sizes: 10x7mm, 15x10mm, 21x14mm and 25x17mm, so there is a suitable size for both thinner trim lines and thicker main lines. Harken offers its corresponding range as 8mm, 10mm, 14mm and 20mm ring springs (part numbers H3269-H3272), so the selection includes both Swedish and American quality manufacturing for the same purpose.
The size of the rope ring should be selected according to the thickness of the rope being used so that the rope passes through the ring smoothly but without unnecessary slack that would cause unnecessary wear when rubbing against the edge of the ring. Aluminum is a lightweight and sufficiently durable material for most rope management needs, and the anodized surface is highly resistant to salt water and UV radiation. Rope rings are typically used in conjunction with rope guides and grommets as part of a larger rope routing system on deck – if you also need actual grommets or guides, you will find them in other subgroups of the same category.
It is advisable to choose a rope ring, or ring pad, that is slightly looser than the minimum required for the thickness of the rope, so that the rope can slide through the ring without unnecessary friction, which would wear out both the rope and the ring prematurely. The Rutgerson and Harken ranges differ slightly in dimensions, so it is advisable to choose a series from one manufacturer consistently for the same application if there are several rings in the same rope system on the deck. The anodized aluminum surface protects the ring from corrosion, but the coating can wear down over time in places where the rope constantly rubs against the same angle - check the rings regularly for sharp edges or wear, as a damaged ring can quickly damage the rope. Ring pads are an inexpensive but important part of effective rope routing on the deck.
Also check out rope guides and grommets if you need a more extensive rope routing solution for your deck in the same package.
Aluminum is a lightweight yet durable material for most rope control needs, and the anodized surface is highly resistant to salt water.
Tire pads are an inexpensive but important part of a functional rope route, which should be checked regularly for wear.
The rope will pass through the ring smoothly without any unnecessary slack when the size is selected correctly. Ask our customer service for help if you can't find exactly the right size or manufacturer for your rope.