Replacing old cable with a cobra system???

[MasterBlaster]

If the cable is as low and as tight as I think it is, the cobra ain't gonna have any effect as far as tightening it up to loosen the cable.

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

Lumberjacker, re-read what I said. there's nothing in there about putting the cobra under tension. Although I might use the cobra to pull the fork toghether and then afterwards install it at the correct tension.

Masterofblasting, how do you suppose the cable was installed if it is impossible to pull together the fork?

 

[appalachianarbo]

What Mike said appears to be right on, but after you've cut the old cable and before you've installed the Cobra, you have to release tension on the comealong. It wouldn't be the best idea to just pop it off and let the limb spring back to its normal position. This could cause failure. Tie the limb up high, run the rope back to the other lead, through a block, and down to a portawrap. Tighten the rope, take a few wraps and then release your comealong. Then gradually let the limb return to it's normal position with your portawrap.

 

[NickfromWI]

Originally posted by OutOnaLimb
...I can say with a reasonable bit of certainty that the system hasnt been in the tree long enough that I wont be able to get all the old hardware out.

It's not a matter of how hard it is to get the hardware out. Right now there are holes in the tree. The lags are keeping them shut. If it has been 6 years, then the tree most certainly HAS grown into and around the lag. If you unscrew them, you are opening the tree up to decay. Please leave them in there.

JP- I like that idea of leaving the cable a bit long so it's noticeable in the future! I gotta remember that.

love
nick

 

[Lumberjack]

Originally posted by Mike Maas
Lumberjacker, re-read what I said. there's nothing in there about putting the cobra under tension. Although I might use the cobra to pull the fork toghether and then afterwards install it at the correct tension.

I had to reread it about a half dozen times, but I finally understand what you said now. I agree also, but excuse my ignorance, why reinstall the lower cable? As a fail safe? Guess I am just not thinking in the same lines you are.

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

If properly installed, a lower cable can be an effective back up. Set it's tension to where it would begin to tighten as the cobra was fully stretched out.
All the hardware is there, cable is cheap (if you even need to replace it).
When a cable is installed, the tree will continue to grow. In time it will be too low so you add another cable. There is no reason to remove the first cable. In more time a third or even forth cable may be needed.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Originally posted by Mike Maas
There is no reason to remove the first cable. In more time a third or even forth cable may be needed.

So, in other words, just leave it there? And work around it?

Hmmm... where have I heard THAT?

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

Leave a properly installed cable, NOT one that is too tight.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Originally posted by Mike Maas
There is no reason to remove the first cable.

Whut am I missing here-ahhhhh?

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

The original poster had a cable that was too low to stand alone, and it was too tight.
Properly installed, there should be a slight sag in the cable. If there is not, it should be loosened until it is at the proper tension.
I would not remove the old hardware, I would adjust it. At the same time, I would install a second cable (or Cobra) at about two thirds the way from the bad crotch, to the tree top.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Originally posted by Mike Maas

I would not remove the old hardware, I would adjust it.

Cool beans, dude. I maintain that the original cable cannot be re-used, or adjusted.

I say leave it be.

 

[OutOnaLimb]

OK, OK, OK, it seems as if I have opened a can of worms here. Tommorrow I will be back in that tree and I will shoot a whole roll of film, to inclute a close up of the hardware and myself hanging off of the cable. Once I post the pics you guys can shoot it out. I am just wanting some advise here. I know very little about cabling, but as with all things tree orentied I am starving for the knowledge.

Kenn

:Monkey:

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

Originally posted by MasterBlaster
I maintain that the original cable cannot be re-used, or adjusted.

Why? Is it because you don't know how to adjust it or re-use it? Because it would be too hard to adjust or re-use?

 

[MasterBlaster]

Because the integrity of the old cable would be compromised because of the cable bend at the eye, and wherever the clamps were previously.

You'll need a new cable to do it right.

 

[dbeck]

Are you speaking of cable grips or actual clamps? I did not think clamps were an accepted practice. Sure people do it. I thought you were to use 7 strand wrap or cable grips such as those used on the high strength cable...

 

[Lumberjack]

Originally posted by MasterBlaster
Because the integrity of the old cable would be compromised because of the cable bend at the eye, and wherever the clamps were previously.

You'll need a new cable to do it right.

He said reinstall a new cable of the proper length. Not reuse the old cable.

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

If it were done without pre-formed grips at the ends, I would replace the cable and put pre-formed grips on (now I get what you were talking about MB).
If it were done properly, I would simply unwrap the ends and rewrap them at the proper tension. If the tree spread out so much that the cable was too short, then I would put new a new cable in, it only costs like 10 cents a foot.
If it were so old the ends were buried, and it was too tight, then I'd cut it off flush with the tree.

 

[OutOnaLimb]

I got those pics of the cable today, I am not sure how good they are because I havent gotten them developed yet. I will do that and scan them first thing tomorrow. I wanted to actually climb up there and take some close ups, but the zoom lense from on top of the garage was all that I had time for today. If I have to I will get up there and get ya'll some close ups when I am in the neighborhood and have more time to play around.

Kenn

:Monkey:

 

[Lumberjack]

Well did you get the pics developed?

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

Don't forget to get a cd of the film when you pick them up. Most places do that now, right?
Then you can stick the cd in your computer and post away.