I have 100' of 3/8" aircraft cable that's been sitting around waiting to be dressed with a sleeve and thimble on each end, but I'm having a hard time finding quality components - nothing I've seen so far is stamped with the rated strength or otherwise indicates that the full working load limit (about 3,000 lbs) of the cable would be developed. Most of it appears to be cheap imported fodder, found in loose bins. I don't feel comfortable relying on such gear, as the cable is part of my recovery kit. Few of the industrial supply houses I've been to even carry 3/8" rigging at all - even Grainger, which is where I bought the cable! If anyone knows where some clearly rated sleeve and thimble kits can be found I'd love to hear it.
I'm also looking for a cheap alternative to a hand held swager- these are usually $200 or so. Seems I remember hearing something about a device made from two plates and a couple of bolts that is torqued down to a known value in order to achieve the same result as one of the compound leverage hand swagers. Thoughts?

liquidium,

If you were in Canada, I could help you out.I will ask my union brothers about sleeves and thimbles. I might be able to get some ship rigging bits for you. If I do I'll let you know $$ (if its not free) and shipping. As for getting the parts swaged on, its cheaper to get a pro to put them on, then to dick around with an unknown.

Gord

What sort of place would be the best to try for starters? There's a tractor supply house nearby I thought I might try.

3/8" cable with a load of 3,000 lbs.?? I just hope the WLL is 5 to 1 but I still wouldn't use it for a couple of reasons.
1. Its too hard to work with.
2. There are better/safer things to use.

I got a 50ft extension made when I got my winch rope made. Its rated for 20,400 lbs. That and the winch cable (100ft.) and if neccessary, my strap (30ft/30,000 lb rated) and I think I'm good to go. (180ft total)
Just my opinion.

If you are still set on using this cable....Try a marine outfitter or fishing supply, they make up rigging all the time and are set up to make proper connections, and will have what is necc.

Kary

Ultimate breaking strength of my 3/8 is 14,850 lbs. Hard to imagine a consumer winch cable being stronger.

Notice in my post that I used the term "rope". I run Ansteel Blue synthetic rope.
Kary

Kary,

nice rigging <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> that wire rope is the bomb. Is it worth the extra $$$$$?

liquidium,

Otto says that 3/8 will be OK for your application and the "cheap" stuff should be stamped with a rating and an it is just as good as the "fancy" rigging. Also most rigging shops have the gear to make your cable. You need to have an eyelet to prevent pinching the cable when you put strain on it. He also suggests that you store the cable rolled, or rounded and tied, to keep it from gettting damaged.

1) You can not "hand swage" that large a diameter rope.
2) The swaging ferrules can be purchased from National
Telephone in CLeveland Ohio Or they can tell you
who can put them on in your area.
3) Find a "wire rope and sling" company and have them
put on the ferrules and thimbles.
4) See if your hardware store has Crosby "Fist grips".
These are U bolt clamps that tighten up on the bent
over rope. You might need 3 on each end?
Call Bob Shaw at Superchief87@adelphia.net or
330 425 8819 for more details.

Thanks. Those sound like the "wire rope clips" I've seen around. Convenient, but sacrifice 25% or so of the cable's strength. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> I'll try the place you mentioned for a sleeve (ferrule) and thimble kit.