uhmw oar lock sockets - worth it?

[ampersat]

my oarlock blocks are going to be white oak. is it worth it to press in uhmw sleeves for the oarlocks?

[Steelie Steve]

Don't know for sure. I would think in the long run it would hold up better.

Steve :cheers:

[Silver Hilton]

No need. Ours were oak. Put a little grease in them, and they were just fine. You can always drill them out later and put in the plastic, but I don't think you'll need them.

When you drill the holes, try to use a drill press, so that the drill doesn't wander.

[Silver Hilton]

I should add, the oak lasted eight years, and was fine when I sold the boat. I probably put 30 trips a year on the boat in that time. The boat was sold to a friend of mine, and is still fine.

[drhall99]

Ampersat,

UHMW is the toughest plastic that I know of. It is also the slickest. You won't regret using them.

jmo,
D.

[ampersat]

squeak, squeak, squeak. does that sound about right? my previous oarlocks were plain ol' 2x4 pine most likely and they didn't seem too bad except that the sockets had worn and the locks were overly loose.

what sort of lubricant should i use to keep it to a minimum? marie's shrimp scent? :grin: how about white lithium grease? axle grease? vaseline?

has anyone out there had experience with both raw wood and UHMW? how much of a difference will it make?

[Grantspastor]

I have. Over time your holes will enlarge and squeek. Various lubricants will quiet them down for a time, but the UHMW inserts will solve the problem permanently

[Grantspastor]

Works either way...but will be quieter with the plastic