I made up two 3' Amsteel (3/8") ones to break, just trying to decide whether to break them on a straight pull or with one end choked around a 4" pipe.
I think the information from the choked configuration would be more useful to me. Hoping to get a chance to use the fixture in the next few days.
It's a machine owned by a company that makes all kinds of rigging equipment for crane use, loading, etc... a big, straight pull fixture. No idea max capacity, but I think around 15 tons. It has a mesh wall along one side, with what looks like 1/2" lexan bolted to it down at the stationary end. That's about all I remember about it. Oh, motor driving hydraulic pump looked like it was running on 3-phase. A friend works there, and has pulled some stuff for me in the past, after work. I met his boss, and he's cool with it, but I don't ask him to do it very often. Don't want to be a pest about it. Problem is, it's about a 3 hour round trip, so I'm trying to set it up for next week when I'm going there on another matter. I have several items I want pulled, so I made them all 3' long so he won't have to change the setup. Last time, he used a chain and shackle on the moving end, and he had several different attachments or fixtures for the stationary end. These looked like something they were making for various needs... they have a welding/fabrication shop... and I know we used one with a 4" pipe last year, with the idea that a branch about that size would be a minimum I would tie anything in to.
I would expect them to break very near the MBS of the cordage, but I know these fibers don't like being crushed, so we'll see. I'd be interested in any results you've gotten with using these materials in the ultrasling configuration. I can't afford to break too much stuff, and with a small sampling, I can't really try different test setups to see how they affect the results. The best I can do is try to mimic a real life application, within the limits of his machine, and see what happens.
No, damn it. I got sidetracked with work and haven't been doing much splicing. I'd like to get some more Amsteel and play with it, but it's going to have to wait until this winter, now. I'm swamped with work and annoying equipment repairs.
I'd like to make a couple more of the little Ice Tail ones, too. I've been using the hell out of the one in that pic. Usually for MA with a long lanyard or DdRT setup, but I've actually used it for an anchor for a second lifeline, too.
Would be nice to break a couple just so I know where they break at. I think Nick is right, though... I bet it's lower than the rated tensile for the cord. I'm sure he's probably tried this, already.
Arborist/ Climber job listing details--- your thoughts
