[TowerTalk] Gin Pole Rope

[Grant Saviers]

I use a low stretch braided dacron that is made by New England ropes in 
a 7/16" size, which I find is the smallest line that has good hand, can 
be tied easily, and fits the rohn gin pole fittings.  West Marine sells 
this line.  You don't want 3 strand since it will impart spin on what is 
being lifted.  Nylon is stretchy which makes top of the tower work 
interesting when tower sections start bouncing around.  You mentioned 
arborist ropes which also are very hard lay (tightly woven) as this 
reduces the potential for snags and increases the life of the line.  
These ropes can also be had with a coating to reduce snagging.

Remember that you need a length twice the tower plus gin pole height 
plus enough for the ground crew plus enough for tie offs of tower 
sections being lifted.  The expense for a good line is well worth it.

I might also mention that the ball bearing (actually nylon balls) snatch 
blocks and pulleys that are used on sailboats are real backsavers if you 
need mechanical advantage.  The reduction in friction in the ball 
bearing block is huge.

Grant,  KZ1W

Mark Robinson wrote:
> I am just about to start putting up my Rohn 45 tower. What rope do people 
> normally use with a gin pole. I like the look of this 3/8 inch nylon rope. 
> Is this a good choice?
>
>
> http://www.onlineropestore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=43_44
>
>
>
> thanks  Mark N1UK 
>
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