Spectra Cable Source

[Joe Johnson]

I can't find a source for Spectra Cable that I grew to know and love back in the days when Small Parts Inc. was the only source for non-kit materials.

I can find the cable I want on Small Part's Amazon site 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.

[Gdeaver]

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.

[Dale]

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]

Originally Posted by Dale

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]

Originally Posted by Dale

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]

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.

[Raul]

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?m...1c3099db20d14f

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]

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]

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.

[IKE]

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]

Thomas Hardware on Mack in Grosse Pointe ask for Todd www.bettersailing.com

[Kevin Sevcik]

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]

Originally Posted by Raul

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?m...1c3099db20d14f

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]

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]

Originally Posted by Tom Line

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?