[TowerTalk] pulling guy lines tightly
K7LXC at aol.com
K7LXC at aol.com
Sat Sep 20 09:24:43 EDT 2008
In a message dated 9/13/2008 6:34:15 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
towertalk-request at contesting.com writes:
> 5. I also used a Loos tension gauge from Champion radio. This tool is
indispensible for tensioning guys. A great feature is that it can be snapped
onto the cable during tensioning rather than having to be placed in line,
like you would have to do with a dynamometer. An in line gauge is OK when
you're doing the initial tensioning, but isn't practical after you install
the turnbuckles. A Loos gauge can be used at any time. Loos gauges are
actually made for stainless steel wire rope used in boating, so the
calibration of the dial isn't correct for EHS. I think there's a conversion
chart in the manual, or maybe K7LXC publishes one. I used a Dillon
Dynamometer in line with the first cable to calibrate my Loos gauge. My
numbers were a little different than the manual or 'LXC's but not too far
off.
While the Loos Tension Gauge was designed for sailboat rigging (7x19
stainless steel primarily), it's perfectly acceptable for other wires including
EHS. What happens is that as you put more tension on any cable it becomes
more rod-like. At that point the Loos doesn't care what the particular material
is, it just measures the tension of the stiff wire.
I put several different 3/16" guy materials (e.g. EHS, galvanized and
Phillystran) in series and measured 400# with a Dillon Tensionometer. At this
point they are all at 400#. The Loos measured within a couple of percent of
the Dillon reading on each of the aforementioned guy material. It's measured
directly with the chart on the Loos and there is no need for any conversion.
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
Champion Radio Products
_www.championradio.com_ (http://www.championradio.com)
Cell: 206-890-4188
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