Electropolising Standing Rigging?

[Phil_G]

I have some fully intact although aging cable aboard my Tayana 42. Would it be reasonable to remove my rigging, coil it up and send it for electropolishing? I'm just trying to extend its useful life. I haven't heard of anyone doing this before. Are there any risks involved?

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
Electropolishing, as well as abrasive polishing, are ways to make the surface smooth, so that it is harder for corrosion to start. I understand that electropolishing can also produce a corrosion-preventing oxide layer. But neither method is meant to remove the effects of corrosion, except at the surface; corrosion tends to run deep.
In addition, fatigue has also been at work on your gang; depending on climate,its effects might be even more significant, and no amount of polishing can counter it.
Finally, it seems unlikely that you could significantly affect the interior of the wire, without unlaying its whole length. It might just be time to replace the material, with the strongest, best-drawn, best-alloyed, smoothest material you can get.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[Phil_G]

Hey Brion, thanks so much for the thoughtful reply!