Throughout the windsock industry commercially available swivel snap clips or swivel eye boat snap hooks are used with harness type windsocks to attach them to the mast. Windsock Company decided many years ago, to test many of the commercial grade types on the market. From the testing we found that this product type had a serious vulnerability to failure.
Test observations
From our observations, although these two systems appeared quite robust, it became apparent three things can happen:
- The snap clip is a plated brass type and quite literally wears through with the constant movement.
- The windsock can get twisted into a position where the spring gate opens.
- The small spring that keeps the clip gate closed corrodes and fails.
In all instances the windsock can come adrift and blow away – possibly down a runway! In an aviation environment this could become a serious matter. If a stray windsock were to get caught up in the blades of a helicopter it could prove catastrophic. The ensuing investigation would no doubt put legislation on windsock manufacturers to ensure a safe and tested method of fixing was provided.
Conclusion
At Windsock Company we concluded it was essential to change the fitting to something that would not fail. Therefore in 2013 we started to supply our harness type windsocks with a strong stainless-steel swivel shackle. It secures with a bolt and nylock nut and, if fitted correctly, will not come undone. The few extra minutes of time to fit, with a couple of spanners, is worth the peace of mind knowing that the windsock will stay in place at the top of your mast.
If you have any questions about windsocks, the fixings and masts, please get in touch with our team. By email, call +44 (0)1245 230700 or complete our online form. To order from our standard range visit our online shop. for other sizes and bespoke orders please get in touch.
Your Windsock Company Team
