I inspected my rigging yesterday and found 2 broken wires on each of the side stays. The broken wires are right next to each other and are where the wire goes into the swage sleeve above the thimble. The stays are 1/8 inch/3mm 1X19 wire. I am going to get new rigging but I have a few questions.

1. Are the stays safe to use until I get new ones?
2. The stays are simple, just thimbles at both ends. Can I go to West Marine and make my own?
3. What is the difference in the different wires, 1X19, 7X19, dyeform, PBO/easyrigging?
Thanks in advance for the replies.