[TowerTalk] Pulling coax through PVC pipe

[Steve Jones]

Dave-

I only have experience pulling multiple runs of small Heliax and control cables through a much larger 3" conduit.  But based on what you're describing, I think you will need to pull out the coax runs, with a new pull rope (1/4" nylon?) attached to the end, then use it to pull the new coax through.  I don't understand the comments about AC power from others.  It sounds like your 14-2 was used just to minimize voltage drop on a 250' 12 volt control line.  I recommend you make the splice to the new pull rope as slim as possible, and not introduce a new "lump" into the conduit.  I don't see how lube will help pulling the old coax out, since the far end will disappear into the conduit immediately and the end you're pulling will be out of the conduit.  I used Home Depot cable lube and it worked fine.  I recommend lots of it for pulling the new runs.

73,
Steve
N6SJ


-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Dave Sublette
Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2018 8:17 AM
To: kj6y--- via TowerTalk
Subject: [TowerTalk] Pulling coax through PVC pipe

Good morning,

28 years ago I buried a 1.5 inch schedule 40 PVC pipe in the ground and ran some low loss coax and a three wire electrical control cable (14-2 house wiring cable).  The 14-2 is used to operate a remotely control phasing box for my 80 meter four square.  The coax feeds either my 160 vertical or the 80M array.

Well it’s time to replace the coax.  The PVC pipe is 250 feet long and in a straight line(thankfully).  I suspect I will have to pull both cables with the new cables tied to the end.  I’ve never done this before and could use a little advice.  I googled but most of what I found started with empty pipe and ran a “string mouse” through with a shopvac. When I installed the cables initially, I laid them out on the ground and slipped the pipe over them ten feet at a time. Fortunately, there is a fair amount of room left in the pipe.  The two cables did not fill up the space entirely.

My first question is if there is some sort of lubricant I should use to reduce friction?

That’s also my last question, but I know there must be several things to consider I am betting that this group has the answers. I have a come-along, a tractor, and a fair amount of tools.  I’m just not sure how to proceed.

I am eager to see what you all have to say.

Thanks.

Dave, K4TO
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