Breaking Cable

[Max Lobovsky]

Well, i think everyone has been assuming that "test" means the break strength of a cable or rope, but i am almost definitley sure that it already includes a safety factor. I think a certain test is actually expected to "carry" that load in some application.

[Matt D]

We used either 1200 or 1300 lb test cable. We also had trouble with our cable snapping. After two regionals, we determined that it was friction (and a 90 degree forced bend) that was wearing down the cable which caused it to snap. It just goes to show that for all the calculations and safety margin, little dynamic things can mess you up (they messed us up). We tried spectra in some testing before nationals, but we had trouble affixing it to our hook (the sharp edges of the hook wore it out so it would still snap) so we went back to cable.

[Adam Y.]

We tried spectra in some testing before nationals, but we had trouble affixing it to our hook (the sharp edges of the hook wore it out so it would still snap) so we went back to cable.

From what I have read though Spectra has the same problems. If it wears out it will break.

[Andy A.]

I've heard a few cases of teams breaking Spectra lines that, on paper, they should not have been able to break. This leads me to belive that Spectra has some quirks in how it handles 'bounce'. My guess is that it's just plain to stiff and doesn't stretch nearly enough to handle much in the way of sudden high loads.

I would have opted for some climbing line in a lift. It is heavier, but has a good deal more stretch and is designed to deal with very high dynamic loads (falling climbers). So, you just match the static load test to the wieght you need to lift and you should not have to worry about bouncing. Also, it deals with abrasion very well.

*shrug* I still think it was more fun to stay on the ground then deal with that silly bar.

-Andy A.