Get Pencil Anodes from Solid Signal

Pencil anodes are a small but important component found in your boat motor. You need these replaceable anodes, also known as pencil zincs, to prevent corrosion in your boat engine’s heat exchanger. Solid Signal is the place boat owners and marine professionals turn to for these sacrificial anodes. We offer a wide variety of Tecnoseal pencil anodes among our huge inventory of top-selling marine products. The information in this post is designed to teach you more about these small but very important marine electrical accessories.

What is a Pencil Anode?

At its most basic, a pencil zinc is a length of zinc roughly the width of a pencil, hence its name. These marine products also feature a brass cap that screws onto the threaded tip of the zinc anode. These devices are secured inside the heat exchange of a boat motor, where they are used to help prevent rust and corrosion. These anodes are typically checked at least once a year, and replaced if less than 50 percent of the metal remains. Pencil zincs are easily replaced using these five steps:

  1. Unscrew the brass plug from the old pencil anode.
  2. Remove the corroded anode from the heat exchanger.
  3. Replace with a new pencil zinc.
  4. Attach the brass cap to the newly replaced pencil zinc.
  5. Secure the complete pencil anode into your boat engine.

These devices are commonly known as sacrificial anodes. What that means is that they are made from a highly active metal – in this case, zinc – that’s used to prevent a less active material from corroding. In other words, the pencil zinc is sacrificed so that your boat engine – which is more expensive to replace – is spared from galvanic corrosion. This form of rust occurs when you attach metals of different electric potentials then submerge them in water, which carries an electric current. Galvanic corrosion is a common problem encountered in marine environments.

Pencil Zincs for Boat Engines

In a previous blog post, we explained the various metals used to make marine sacrificial anodes. Most anodes are made from aluminum, magnesium, or zinc. Each of these metals has its pros and cons, and each tends to perform better in specific marine environments. Generally speaking, aluminum provides more protection and tends to last longer than zinc. When it comes to penial anodes, however, zinc is the superior metal. Pencil anodes made of aluminum have a tendency to break at the neck, which can block the coolant channels of your boat motor. This is why Solid Signal carries a selection of Tecnoseal pencil zincs.

Marine Products from Solid Signal

Our selection of pencil anodes are just some of the marine equipment that Solid Signal carries. When you search our selection of marine electrical accessories, you’ll find very detailed product descriptions. We’ve taken a look at other marine product retailers and found little more than product names and dimensions listed on their websites. These few details might be enough for anyone who knows what they’re looking for. These minute product descriptions don’t help customers who have questions and wants to learn more about marine electronics.

The marine product team at Solid Signal has updated many marine product descriptions. Our selection of pencil anodes received this treatment. If you’re searching for pencil zincs, you’ll find our selection and all the information that comes with these items. (Much of this product info was used to create this blog post.) We’ll continued to update our marine product descriptions so you get the most up to date information about the marine products you need for your boat.

Call Solid Signal for Marine Products!

If you own or repair boats, you want the best marine supplies at the best prices. Solid Signal has you covered. Our huge selection of marine equipment has what every boat and marina owner needs. Best of all, our team is available to answer your questions and give marine product recommendations. If you need a pencil zinc or another type of sacrificial anode, you’ll find it in our massive online inventory. Just give us a call 888-233-7563. We’re happy to help you find the best replacement parts you need to keep your vessel sailing smoothly.

About the Author

Jake Buckler
Jake Buckler is a cord-cutter, consumer electronics geek, and Celtic folk music fan. Those qualities, and his writing experience, helped him land a copywriting gig at Signal Group, LLC. He also contributes to The Solid Signal Blog.