[TowerTalk] Guy Wire Cable Clamps

[TexasRF--- via TowerTalk]

Correct, and the specified Crosby clamps are the forged type,  3/16CCF. 
More popular for ham use is the  3/16CCM, which is a  malleable clamp having 
lower strength and much lower cost. It has been a  very long time since hot 
dipped galvanized malleable clamps have been readily  available. We only have 
plated ones in stock and only for those that insist; we  do not recommend 
their use.
 
Conceptually one could use more than three clamps to achieve greater  
strength. I have never seen data for that though. Originally the Rohn  
recommendation when cable clamps were used involved also serving the seven guy  wire 
strands for added strength. This is a really nasty job that few hams would  
actually complete. Rohn even sold tool for that; CST which was easily  
duplicated.
 
For many years the Big Grip BG2142 and BG2144 have been the termination  
product of choice. They install in a fraction of the time needed for cable  
clamps and serving the cable ends. The grips are very price competitive with 
the  CCF style clamps that were the prior choice.
 
I saw the note about using Chinese insulators with Big Grips. There are  
some insulators available that are way too small to be used with grips and I 
can  see that as a problem. The correct insulator is model 502 from the most 
popular  insulator manufacturers. There is a different part number for 
lesser known  manufacturers and I don't know the numbers.
 
The only way I can see that the proper insulator could damage a Big Grip is 
 if it shattered under load or from flying debris in a storm. I personally 
have  never seen or heard of that happening. To reiterate: with a proper 
sized  insulator.
 
73,
Gerald K5GW
GM Texas Towers
 
 
 
 
 
In a message dated 6/8/2015 10:56:40 A.M. Central Daylight Time,  
towertalk at contesting.com writes:

>  Does anyone know of a vendor who stocks original  style  heavily 
galvanised clamps similar or identical to the older  3/16CCM? Based on  
what I paid 
in 1980 and on-line inflation  calculators, these should now run a  little 
over $1.00  apiece.

Well, I don't know if there ever sold for a  buck  but the industry 
standard for years has been Crosby clamps.  Available in lots of  places.

Cheers,
Steve     K7LXC
TOWER TECH  
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