SS Cable instead of Chain for anchor
|
Does anyone have any experience using STAINLESS Cable to extend an anchor over the edge rather than using chain? The specific nature of where this TR anchor might be doesn't let me put the anchor bolts close to the edge. |
|
mattm wrote:Does anyone have any experience using STAINLESS Cable to extend an anchor over the edge rather than using chain? The specific nature of where this TR anchor might be doesn't let me put the anchor bolts close to the edge. - Cable will probably be 5/16th 304SS rated to 40kN (or 32kN if you allow for 80% strength when using rope clips to terminate with a Loop/Thimble) 1/4in is tempting but de-rated, it's 22.75kN so not sure that would "be enough". Thoughts on 5/16 vs 1/4? - Chain, even galvanized, is at least 50% more costly by my estimation and I'd like to keep it SS for longevity. Rough sketch of what's being considered. The alternate rigging way would just be two separate legs with thimbles on each end. In the end, it may not be worth it.I have used 5/16" 316 SS cable for less popular routes. If you do use it, do not use those rope clips that have a bolt and nut going through them which you tighten. Instead swage the cable closed. That way, you do not have sharp rope clips and steel cable end points all over the place that could damage the rope or injure someone grabbing the anchor. Also, if you are going to run this anchor over and edge, use chain. Even steel cable will wear down and eventually fail if it is loaded over an edge. |
|
i think its totally not worth it, particularly in terms of time. also, if it is indeed running over an edge it should be chain - cable would fray and break pretty quickly if it was repeatedly loaded in that condition. |
|
I would stick with chain also. Good 3/8" proofed galvanized chain will last plenty long, it is simpler and you wont have sharp frayed wire as things get worn. |
|
Chain. Cable is too hard to inspect and you won't know when its going to blow. |
|
20 kN wrote: I have used 5/16" 316 SS cable for less popular routes. If you do use it, do not use those rope clips that have a bolt and nut going through them which you tighten. Instead swage the cable closed. That way, you do not have sharp rope clips and steel cable end points all over the place that could damage the rope or injure someone grabbing the anchor. Also, if you are going to run this anchor over and edge, use chain. Even steel cable will wear down and eventually fail if it is loaded over an edge.Chain it is. Thanks for the input everyone. |
|
I agree with what others have said here - chain is definitely best (though you can add ferrules to the cable at the point of edge contact to protect it). |
|
Have used cable similar to this: towerclimbing.com/dbi-sala-… as a high anchor point in rope rescue training with the fire service. We had stuff that had a clear rubber sheath over it to protect it. Worked great and ridiculously strong. |
|
no ... for the simple reason that if the ends of the chain start wearing out substantially, one can rap off the links above if needed ... and i can come back and snip off the worn links and add a quicklink or two ... |
|
I prefer chain but I've seen the cables used on anchors in the Bishop area. I think Russ makes them and/or they might be able on the Fish website. |
|
An example of the swage itself protecting the wear point: |