View Full Version : Spectra Cable Source
Joe Johnson
27-02-2010, 10:38
I can't find a source for Spectra Cable that I grew to know and love back in the days when Small Parts Inc. (http://www.smallparts.com) was the only source for non-kit materials.
I can find the cable I want on Small Part's Amazon site (http://www.amazon.com/Polyethylene-Fiber-Spectra-Cable-Length/dp/B0015SVNU2) but they are out of stock on the .060" cable (and
For those of you that have never used Spectra Cable, it is the closest thing to magic that I have ever experienced. Strong, slippery, and small.
Anyone with a source for this magic fiber, please please dish the dirt.
Joe J.
Joe,
Allot of fishing line and cable is based on spectra. It usually has a nylon coating to increase it's environmental resistance. Many kite companies also carry spectra line. The leaders for stunt kites are usually very heavy braided spectra and can be purchased in bulk.
Many boating supply companies sell Amsteel, from Samson, which is basically like braided, stronger Spectra. 7/64" is the smallest diameter I've seen, though, if size is an issue. Just Google Amsteel. This stuff is amazing with the 7/64" having a strength of 1,600 lbs and 1/8" going to 2,500 pounds. Strength goes down fast as you tie or bend any rope but still...
http://www.samsonrope.com/index.cfm?rope=192
Joe Johnson
27-02-2010, 12:32
Many boating supply companies sell Amsteel, from Samson, which is basically like braided, stronger Spectra. 7/64" is the smallest diameter I've seen, though, if size is an issue. Just Google Amsteel. This stuff is amazing with the 7/64" having a strength of 1,600 lbs and 1/8" going to 2,500 pounds. Strength goes down fast as you tie or bend any rope but still...
http://www.samsonrope.com/index.cfm?rope=192
nice!
henryBsick
27-02-2010, 12:40
Many boating supply companies sell Amsteel, from Samson, which is basically like braided, stronger Spectra. 7/64" is the smallest diameter I've seen, though, if size is an issue. Just Google Amsteel. This stuff is amazing with the 7/64" having a strength of 1,600 lbs and 1/8" going to 2,500 pounds. Strength goes down fast as you tie or bend any rope but still...
http://www.samsonrope.com/index.cfm?rope=192
Great find. Thank you Dale.
sanddrag
27-02-2010, 13:23
Just for future reference, McMaster carries Spectra, but the smallest diameter is 1/4". Joe, have you tried checking any local rigging supply outfits? We have some here that serve the movie/entertainment industry, who carry a large variety of ropes, chains, shackles, etc.
If you are looking for a slightly smaller diameter, I bought Spectra cable of 1.9mm at this source:
http://www.spearitco.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=200&zenid=5e15f4c99384e386261c3099db20d14f
They have other sizes as well. I have been using Spectra cable since 1997 on our robots for all kinds of lift and winch functions. It has never failed us.
Tom Line
27-02-2010, 16:55
Joe,
West Marine in Harrison Township has a wide range of dyneema and amsteel. If you'd like, PM me with what you want and I can pick it up wholesale. We're using it for our lifting winch.
Tom
Akash Rastogi
27-02-2010, 16:58
In case these places don't work out for you, try contacting Honeywell. They are the manufacturer. We got ours via our Honeywell engineer since Small Parts was out.
We bought a 300' spool a couple years back in Chicago during the Midwest tournament from a Kite Store. The story is long one, but the price is much cheaper at a Kite store ($75 for 300' instead of $100 for 100' small parts).
J. Stofflett
27-02-2010, 17:49
Thomas Hardware on Mack in Grosse Pointe ask for Todd www.bettersailing.com
Kevin Sevcik
27-02-2010, 19:50
Second the fishing line recommendations, though they don't list diameters. We got some from:
http://www.jamestackle.com/jerry_brown_hollow.htm
Though there's plenty of other people that carry the jerry brown line. It's apparently possible to make pretty nice splices and loops with the hollow braided stuff if you have a a fancy hook for pulling it through itself.
Joe Johnson
27-02-2010, 19:52
If you are looking for a slightly smaller diameter, I bought Spectra cable of 1.9mm at this source:
http://www.spearitco.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=200&zenid=5e15f4c99384e386261c3099db20d14f
They have other sizes as well. I have been using Spectra cable since 1997 on our robots for all kinds of lift and winch functions. It has never failed us.
Raul the Magnificent!
Thanks.
By the by, what is the breaking strength of the 1.9mm Spectra string?
Joe J.
Tom Line
27-02-2010, 20:54
Usually in the neighborhood of 500-600 lbs (tensile). Be aware that a knot will drop the strength by as much as 50%, and that you should use a thimble to prevent it from kinking and chafing unless you're going around a solid shaft. Spectra is notorious for chafing (even though it is more chafe resistant that other aramids).
Akash Rastogi
27-02-2010, 21:01
Usually in the neighborhood of 500-600 lbs (tensile). Be aware that a knot will drop the strength by as much as 50%, and that you should use a thimble to prevent it from kinking and chafing unless you're going around a solid shaft. Spectra is notorious for chafing (even though it is more chafe resistant that other aramids).
Are there any better/stronger crimps than those available through SmallParts and the ones that come with the cable?
What special handling do you need for spectra cable? Knots to use/ crimps/ special hardware? Any additional info will be deeply appreciated.
Thanks
Bruce
We've never done anything special with Spectra...just tie it like you would any other nylon cord. We usually use a fish hook knot for these things http://www.lake-link.com/anglers/knots/knotdetails.cfm?KnotID=1
Obviously you'd want to heat fuse the end after cutting.
What special handling do you need for spectra cable? Knots to use/ crimps/ special hardware? Any additional info will be deeply appreciated.
Thanks
Bruce
Different styles of knots will reduce the capacity of the spectra quite a bit (some around 50% if I remember right). Look up knot strength, and there are some good resources on the net. Just be certain to use much higher strength than you might expect.
team222badbrad
26-01-2011, 13:08
We got ours from here! Shipping seemed to be fast too!
http://www.reddenmarine.com/marine-supplies.cfm/multipurpose-amsteel-blueassorted-colors/samson-amstlblu18org/amsteel-blue-1-8-foot-orange.html
Just realized this thread is from last year, but anyways...
Scott L.
26-01-2011, 17:42
Many boating supply companies sell Amsteel, from Samson, which is basically like braided, stronger Spectra. 7/64" is the smallest diameter I've seen, though, if size is an issue. Just Google Amsteel. This stuff is amazing with the 7/64" having a strength of 1,600 lbs and 1/8" going to 2,500 pounds. Strength goes down fast as you tie or bend any rope but still...
http://www.samsonrope.com/index.cfm?rope=192
http://www.wesspur.com/rope/amsteel-blue.html 13,700 lb ABS :D
We bought some dyneema 7/64's from West marine. We have it installed on our fork lift with fishing knots on one end and a turn buckle on the other. Do I need to pre stretch this stuff? It seems to be stretching about 2 inches in 100 after only moderate tension and 2 days on the bot. Already ran out of slack take up on the turnbuckles. Got any suggestions?
Thanks
Bruce
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