No aluminum on steel carabiner connections, but...

[jtc16]

I've heard you're not supposed to hook steel to aluminum because there is a reaction in the metals that will weaken one or both, right? So here's my problem.. I just bought a new harness and accidentally bought one with aluminum d rings when all the snaps on my lanyards and my hitch hiker setup is steel. So I'm wondering if it would be ok to wrap the aluminum d rings on my harness in a thick layer of electrical tape and use it with the steel connectors so long as I inspect it every time and make sure there is still a layer between the different metals. Thanks.

 

[Pelorus]

Keep your gear dry, and galvanic corrosion will be a non issue.

 

[jtc16]

Ok so as long as i keep it dry you think no safety risk? They are lightweight aluminum d rings and heavy steel snaps, both probably rated for around the same weight though

 

[jtc16]

So even if it gets wet and i dry it off before storage if this corrosion is ever starting to take place I will see it on the metal, is that right?

 

[Pelorus]

Not to discount your concern (which is valid, imo), but I don't think you are gonna see corrosion occurring. Unless of course you are operating in a salt water environment, or you happen to sweat profusely .
I recall reading awhile back somewhere (may have been a tree forum other than Arboristsite - can't remember where it was), about someone who experienced significant corrosion issues with aluminum D's on a Petzl Sequoia, IIRC.
You might want to google "corrosion Petzl Sequoia" and see what pops up.
Cheers,
Dave

edit- corrosion affected the buckles causing them to chafe through the webbing.

 

[jtc16]

Ok I'll look that up. I've just read multiple times that you never want to mix metals on your connections. But if it was really a concern wouldn't it say never use steel on this aluminum harness in the instructions. Thanks for the info I'll google around and probably end up just climbing without electric taping everything. They put aluminum wheels on steel wheel hubs too don't they..

 

[Pelorus]

Ya, if you google "corrosion Petzl Sequoia" there is a good thread discussing saddle corrosion issues.

 

[moondoggie]

The head on my van is aluminum with steel sparkplugs threaded in...

 

[Pelorus]

lotsa you-tube vids dealing with extracting broken plugs in Ford 5.4's

 

[jtc16]

I found that thread about the petzl corrosion, I feel pretty safe about it now. I don't sweat a lot but if I do I'll just rinse the d rings and keep an eye on them. I was under the impression that the metal could weaken by touching another type of metal but if the only issues is corrosion and it is visible I feel safe about it. Thanks.