Sunday, July 17, 2016

Problem with vinyl coated steel cables - cable slipped!

`While using my zip line the other day, tension was lost on the line. I checked the connections and found that the vinyl coated steel cable had slipped where it was clamped. The vinyl part ripped and the cable slid out. This is a serious safety issue. I recommend against using vinyl coated cable for critical applications. To get a more secure attachment, the vinyl must be stripped from the cable.
This is the cable I was using:

Everbilt

Model # 810632

Internet # 204394877

Store SKU # 454347

1/8 in. x 30 ft. Vinyl-Coated Wire Rope Kit

Friday, April 1, 2016

Moved Zip Line

I moved the zip line to the other side of my backyard. This time I decided to make it much simpler. I used the concrete/rebar anchors like before but made some modifications. For the start, I used one 4x6 post placed 1' deep and balanced by two chains. For the end, I used two posts with a cross member on top attached to one chain/anchor. This way the kids don't run into the post at the end. I used 1/2" eye bolts on either end to attach the cable. I used some shackles and additional cable  and hardware to connect everything. Here is the maiden run video:
I still have to install rungs to climb up the start pole and a cable stop or bumper at the end but I am pretty happy with this. It took much less effort than my last design.