Spreader Boot Alternatives?

Post by **dasein668** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 2:37 pm

Well, I just returned from a fruitless trip to get new spreader boots. None of the local outfits have them in stock. (Angry aside: it's spring, folks! Why on earth haven't you stocked up on rigging materials???)

Anyway, with only 2 days before launch, I'm looking for unique, innovative ideas for improvised spreader boots that use common (dare I say, household?) materials. I've got a few ideas perking, but maybe you've got a better one! Share it here!

(I'm actually hoping that I still have the old nasty cracking boots in the depths of my rigging kit, but just in case....)

Figment · Post by **Figment** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 2:43 pm

Leather.

You must have some nasty old boots in the back of a closet somewhere.

Post by **dasein668** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:02 pm

Just stick the left boot on the port spreader and....

Figment · Post by **Figment** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:06 pm

no, seriously. Go cut the tongues out of an old pair of workboots and get to stitching. If you could wait a few days I'd send you some actual chrome leather, but really I'm sure whatever scrap leather you can lay your hands on will be able to get you through one season.

Post by **dasein668** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:10 pm

No, I know you weren't joking, but it did put a funny image in my head. They're called, BOOTS, right? So? hehe

Unfortunatley, I actually don't have a suitable boot/shoe to use.

Figment · Post by **Figment** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:16 pm

Right hand: utility knife.
Left hand: the nastiest old fender you have on hand.
Between teeth: four large zip-ties.

Go nuts.

(hey man, I can do suggestions all day long)

Post by **Tim** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:17 pm

I think DUCK tape (sic) is excellent for this.

Especially when it falls apart in the sun and you get those cool silvery streamers and gossamer threads trailing off your spreaders. Sweeeet.

:<P

Post by **Tim** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:18 pm

Figment wrote:Right hand: utility knife.
Left hand: the nastiest old fender you have on hand.
Between teeth: four large zip-ties.

Go nuts.

(hey man, I can do suggestions all day long)

That sounds boo-ti-ful!

Post by **dasein668** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:19 pm

Keep 'em coming Mike!

Figment · Post by **Figment** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:20 pm

No, wait, I've got it!!!!

Your spreaders are the round-stick type, right? not the "airfoil" type?

Hasten thee to the local pet shoppe.
Obtain a suitably sized and colored Big Squeaky Bone.
Substitute for fender in the solution above.

Oughta be less than $20, including gas.

Post by **Tim** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:30 pm

Stop! This is getting too silly!

Figment · Post by **Figment** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:50 pm

Help! Help! I'm being repressed!

(yes I know you saw it coming, but that doesn't stop me!)

CharlieJ · Post by **CharlieJ** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:25 pm

JUST today saw a suggestion- split a length of clear plastic hose, open it up over the spreader tipand around the wire ( vertically) and tape top and bottom.