[Towertalk] Grips vs. Clamps (was Huh?!?)

K7LXC@aol.com K7LXC@aol.com
Sat, 9 Nov 2002 09:03:21 EST


In a message dated 11/9/02 4:56:40 AM Pacific Standard Time, n4kg@juno.com 
writes:

> I 're-form' the radius of the grips such that the sides of the U
>  are a snug fit in the grooves of the insulators.  I do this by
>  engaging a couple of turns near the painted stripes and tapping
>  the bottom of the U with a few whacks from a rubber mallot
>  while placing the side of the U on a piece of wood.
>  
>  I KNOW, this is a violation of the 'Prime Directive'.  OTOH,
>  My oldest towers have been up over 25 years and the newest
>  approaching 10(?).  ALL have survived estimated 90 MPH winds
>  that took out dozens of 80 ft trees in my woods.

    There are two sets of painted cross-over marks on Preformed grips. The 
first one (closest to the termination loop) is for normal thimble-type 
installations. The second set is for installation with insulators; they 
provide a better angle for situations where you have a bigger than normal 
radius to go around like an insulator. 

    Which set are you using with your insulators? 

Cheers,
Steve    K7LXC
TOWER TECH -
Professional tower services for commercial and amateur