[TowerTalk] Restringing cable on crank-up tower

[Robert Mccormack]

Hi Harry,
I have been through this exercise successfully - please remember to attach an equivalent length of rope to one end of the cable before removing it - leave the rope in position.   This method enables you to pull the new cable through the nested tower sections without error.
Take the old cable to your local rigging/wire-rope vendor to accurately cut the new cable to length, and thimble/crimp attachment.   Don't forget to check and lubricate the sheaves before pulling the new cable - the whole procedure is much easier if you have an assistant and a tractor, or several assistants.<G>

73, Ken ZL1AIH

Message: 1
Date: Wed, 05 Sep 2007 13:12:12 -0700
From: Dino Darling <dino at k6rix.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Restringing Cable on Crankup Tower
To: "Harry Williams" <willisw200 at msn.com>
Cc: TowerTalk <TowerTalk at contesting.com>
Message-ID: <20070905201218.65E08319A37 at dayton.contesting.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed;
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If you can remove the cables, and being that you are not already 
familiar with cable crimping, and the fact that one small mistake 
could cause your tower to fail, I'd take the cables off and have them
done professionally by a local wire cable vendor.  They will have the
correct cable (made to roll over sheaves, usually 7x19 wire rope) and
the correct tools to properly crimp the ends.

Go to...
http://www.mcmaster.com/

type "1341" in the search box and read about 7X19 cable (NOT 19X7!)

The tools and sleeves are on page "1352".

Good Luck!


At 10:01 PM 9/5/2007, Harry Williams wrote:

>I have a Hygain HG-70D crankup tower and have been thinking about 
>replacing the cable. The tower is down right now and it does not 
>appear to be a very difficult process to replace the cable. I see 
>that the cable ends are held in place by a pair of crimped on 
>clamps. Where can I get the clamps and what kind of tool is needed 
>to do the crimping?
>
>73's,
>Harry
>W0LS
>_______________________________________________