[TowerTalk] Climbing Belts/Harnass

[Grant Saviers]

A friend had PVC pipe fragments migrating out of his face for years 
after a rupture of the PVC pipe these gadgets are made from.  His 
"event" was a potato cannon failure, but there isn't much difference 
when the pressure gets to 80psi.  PVC doesn't show on an x-ray.

PVC piping is an ABSOLUTE  NO-NO in commercial compressed air systems 
since minor damage can escalate into ruptures and high energy flying 
slivers and fragments.    Thus, having one's face right next to the 
pressure storage tank is a very bad idea. Handling damage can be 
concealed, cold is bad since the plastic gets brittle and heat is bad 
because the pressure rating is significantly reduced.

Making one from sch 80 PVC pipe is probably safer, since the pressure 
ratings are much higher, the fittings much stronger, and the supplier 
probably not the cheapest the big box can buy,  what the forklift driver 
probably dropped or the customer walked on. Another idea might be to 
fiberglass wrap the tank (with a PVC compatible resin) as a "shatter 
shield".  Good solvent gluing is extremely important as a 4" PVC cap on 
a pressure tank at 80psi has about 1000 lbs of force on it.

Beyond "no safety warranty" as Roger notes,  PVC launchers are the 
ultimate in caveat emptor.  As a friend used to say about his Winchester 
458 magnum rifle - "kills at one end and maims at the other".

Grant KZ1W


On 11/18/2012 8:57 PM, K8RI wrote:
> On 11/18/2012 11:08 PM, Jim W7RY wrote:
>>
>> Isn't it great... !  noTHING like hams supporting the hobby through 
>> small
>> businesses... I just got a pneumatic tennis ball wire antenna
>> launcher... no
>> tree top can beat this thing, haha.  80lbs = 200ft ASL
>
> These can be built for a couple of bucks that weigh less than 10#
> Google is your friend. Check potato gun or tennis ball gun.
> or just tennis ball/hair spray will bring up lots of instructions.
>
> Remember these things do not come with a safety warranty.
>
> 73
>
> Roger (K8RI)
>
>>
>> 73,
>> Dave
>> wa3gin
>>
>>
>> Agree 100%. I built one out of a kit. They work FABULOUS!!
>>
>> I need to devise a good way to use Co2 so it's a bit more portable.
>>
>> 73
>> Jim W7RY
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Gilbert"
>> <xdavid at cis-broadband.com>
>> To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
>> Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2012 1:55 PM
>> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Climbing Belts/Harnass
>>
>>
>>>
>>> Let's just say that I find it ironic that this reflector is sponsored
>>> by K7LXC, the owner of Champion Radio Products.
>>>
>>> http://www.championradio.com/shop/Safety-Equipment.5
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Dave   AB7E
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 11/18/2012 11:41 AM, Stephen Colello wrote:
>>>> I have the same interest--so please make all responses to reply all.
>>>>
>>>> Steve
>>>> KA2KON
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Anthony (N2KI)" 
>>>> <n2ki.ham at gmail.com>
>>>> To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
>>>> Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2012 5:32 PM
>>>> Subject: [TowerTalk] Climbing Belts/Harnass
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> I have to replace my very old climbing belt .  I want to purchase
>>>>> one for
>>>>> tower work.  Can someone point me in the direction of a reputable
>>>>> distributor and possible suggest a model?
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks
>>>>>
>>>>> Regards,
>>>>>
>>>>> Anthony J. Cioffi (N2KI)
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
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