Can we talk about using a proper rope socket versus just a cable clamp for temporary car support

We had to do a full sheave swap on a 12 story traction job last month, and the foreman wanted to use cable clamps on the governor rope for the safety block. I insisted on setting up a proper rope socket with poured zinc. The clamps slipped after about 4 hours of work, but the socket setup held rock solid for the whole two day job. It's an extra 45 minutes of setup, but it's the only right way to do it. Who else has seen a cheap clamp setup fail on them?

3 comments

3 Comments

oscarcraig4mo ago

My buddy's crew tried to save time with clamps on a temporary tag line last summer. They didn't even make it to lunch before it gave way. Honestly, that zinc pour is just non-negotiable.

terry_bailey354mo ago

That zinc pour also stops the cable from getting crushed and weak over time, which clamps always do.

the_ben2mo ago

Yeah that's exactly what I've been saying for years. I had a buddy who thought he was being smart using those fancy clamps on a winch line we were running for a job. Not even a full shift and the whole thing let go right as we were pulling a heavy load. Luckily nobody was standing in the wrong spot but man it could have been bad. Zinc pour is just the only way to go if you want it to hold up over time. You don't mess with something that's holding that kind of tension.

-1