[TowerTalk] Cable Work

[Wilson Lamb]

No real qualifications here, but when did that keep me from offering advice!
In prep for some tower work which didn't happen, I bought some 3/16 aircraft cable and sleeves online.
Not wanting to pay for the real deal tools, I bought a fence wire swaging tool at Tractor Supply.  I expect all the places, like Agri Supply have them.
I'm not sure if I actually verified the die diameter or not, but must have thought it was OK.
I have since done a dozen or so swages, to make slings for logging and general lifting with my tractor boom.
Since they are just a few feet long, I consider the slings expendable and abuse them accordingly.
I have no idea what loads I've put them to, but I have lifted/pulled some BIG logs.
None of the swages has slipped at all.
I probably wouldn't put up an expensive tower/beam with this stuff, but I sure would put up a cheap one.
As usual, YMMV and I'm not making any promises, but I've been amazed what the stuff can do.
AND these are single sleeves, not the doubles I'd use on a tower.
WL