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Re: [TowerTalk] How best to cut 1/4 inch ss cable?

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] How best to cut 1/4 inch ss cable?
From: Don <w7wll@arrl.net>
Reply-to: w7wll@peak.org
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2020 12:20:21 -0700
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
I replaced my original galvanized cable  with 7x19 SS wire cable on my HG70-HD some time back. I live on the ocean. The original cable was from 1982 (installed at the beach in 2003).

The change to SS was at the suggestion of the local fleet rigger in Newport OR based on years of use. It has a higher wire strand count thus is more flexible. I've never had to replace any sheaves. all are still in good condx. I replied heavily on this rigger's long experience with making up cable assemblies and installing both galvanized and SS wire cable and rope on small and large fishing vessels operating out of the port. He also referred me to this site which I imagine is available in different write-ups at many cable manufacturers - https://bergencable.com/cable-101

Because of cost most of the fleet vessels use galvanized cable and the use of SS seems to be reserved to special requirements and needs

The rigger calculated the 4 key items (load, sheave sizes, bending factors, and possible distortion) to determine if the properly sized SS cable I was looking at would have a sufficient safety factor. It did. BUT, there was a significant cost over galvanized cable.

Just more input on the SS vs galvanized cable discussion.

Don W7WLL

On 6/29/2020 11:44 AM, Grant Saviers wrote:
Another reason besides what Steve mentions is SS cable isn't as strong as hoist wire rope, where are many more choices of construction and alloys.

My read of the PE wet stamp for my HDX 589 causes me to believe that it has a below recommended man-lift safety factor when considering the strength degradation from small diameter sheave wraps (ie smaller than what Crosby recommends).  So better proceed with some expert analysis in hand before making a substitution.

Or apply Rule #1 - Do what the manufacturer recommends.

Grant KZ1W

On 6/29/2020 11:05, Steve Maki wrote:
For crankup towers? Seems like it should be OK, I'd check with the tower manufacturer. I think of crankup tower duty as similar to crane service in that the cable is mostly stressed by the wrap around the sheaves. So if the bending properties of SS is as good as regular cable, it should be fine. But I don't know that it is.

You never see SS cable on cranes, probably because it's more expensive, and the crane companies keep their cable lubed religiously for corrosion and abrasion protection. Yet they still have to replace it every so often due to wear, which would apply to SS cable just the same.

Steve K8LX


On 06/29/20 12:29 PM, Edward via TowerTalk wrote:

Is it smart to use SS aircraft cable in place of the factory galvanized cable?

I'm guessing you are talking about SS "aircraft" cable, right? Bolt cutters don't work on finely stranded cable because. For that you need either cutters meant for the job, or a cutoff wheel on a grinder. Cutters for aircraft cable are generally bypass type shears with both sides curved.

If it's 1x7 strand, bolt cutters work, or a cutoff wheel, or cable cutters meant for the job, which are usually bypass type shears with one curved side and one straight.

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