[TowerTalk] wrapping a big grip on phillystran

[Roger (K8RI)]

I'm going to answer this on the group as a number asked this question.
I hope I get this straight. It 's easier to do than to describe 
properly. <:-))

I calculated and cut to length the guys needed plus a couple feet extra 
on each one.  I  had planned on using an EHS tie to the anchor so if I 
missed the length by a couple of feet I could correct the problem by 
cutting the EHS to fit.  EHS lengths vary from about 10 to 14 feet. 
(What ever was needed)
I installed the Big Grip (TM) on the end that would go on the tower.  
The excess on the other end was wound around an anchor such as a tree, 
or was driven in the yard. Sometimes a thimble will help here even if it 
has to be over size.  The end that went in the Big Grip was gripped by a 
double "cam lock" like the kind used for gripping fence wire when 
stretching it (only larger). I think it was only about $3 or $4 at the 
local ACE hardware store.   I don't have any photos of the procedure.

I hooked a "comealong" to the cam lock and put the guy under about 400# 
tension. Then installed the Big Grip according to the instructions.  The 
most difficult part was finding, or creating two anchor points the 
correct distance apart although I did have a 20' Comealong as well as a 
20' log chain which gave me 40 feet of leeway. This was the point where 
I discovered all that steel in my welding bench may weight half a ton, 
but 400# or tension easily skids it across the floor. <:-))

When winding a Big Grip became a problem I used a BIG screwdriver as a 
lever to easily get the wrap to conform. (One turn at a time...per 
side). Some times at the very end it was one wire at a time.

Yes, they work very much like the "Chinese Handcuffs". The pretension 
when wrapping gives a better grip. I've never had one come loose, but 
they are not normally reusable. If one has to be redone within about a 
week it can be done once.  The instructions give the specifics on that 
and I don't remember. My copy is out in the shop, but they are available 
on line.

73

Roger (K8RI)



Steve Litwins wrote:
> Roger;
> How did u manage to secure the end of the Philly u were working on?  
> The other end?  Or is that a moot point if u can wrap two turns and 
> then use the thimble?...73/dx
> steve, k8wk
> **********
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Roger (K8RI)" 
> <K8RI-on-TowerTalk at tm.net>
> To: "W3YY" <w3yy at cox.net>
> Cc: <TowerTalk at contesting.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 10:08 PM
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] wrapping a big grip on phillystran
>
>
>> W3YY wrote:
>>>
>>> Steve -
>>>
>>> You can see step-by-step pictures on my web site www.w3yy.com.  The 
>>> pictures
>>> are contained in the Projects section under Phillystran.  The direct 
>>> URL is
>>> http://www.w3yy.com/phillystran_assembly-1.htm  That will be the first
>>> picture.  Click "Next Step" to see the next picture, etc.
>>>
>>
>> You missed one very important part as recommended by the company: The
>> cable should be under tension when the grip is installed.  I was able to
>> use a comealong to pull the guy tight and then wrap the end.  Of course
>> while figuring out how to do this I managed to slide my welding bench
>> half way out the shop door.
>>
>> Roger (K8RI)
>>> 73, Bob - W3YY
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
>>> [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Steve Litwins
>>> Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 11:23 PM
>>> To: TowerTalk at contesting.com
>>> Subject: [TowerTalk] wrapping a big grip on phillystran
>>>
>>> Guys (no pun intended);
>>> I have the Phillystran bul. 105-2/06 telling how to wrap a big grip 
>>> onto the
>>> Phillystran...but...having never seen one done nor seen a completed 
>>> one I am
>>> a bit hesitant to start.  I have looked at stuff offered on the IN 
>>> as well.
>>> I can't seem to figure which get wrapped onto what...rope onto grip 
>>> or the
>>> opposite.  What are the painted marks for?  Splitting the grip at 
>>> the end??
>>> Anybody feel like guiding me through this?  Much obliged for any
>>> assistance...73/dx steve, k8wk
>>> ***********
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> TowerTalk mailing list
>>> TowerTalk at contesting.com
>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> TowerTalk mailing list
>>> TowerTalk at contesting.com
>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>>>
>>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> TowerTalk mailing list
>> TowerTalk at contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk 
>
>