Shock Absorber for Steel Cabling?

Chris Soiset

Hello All,

Is there a decent shock absorbing product, similar to a limiting compression spring, available to use in line with steel cabling? We have extremely naughty squirrels here, and I'd rather stick to steel cabling, but be able to create a more dynamic system.

Thanks much,

Chris

Eric Frei

You could insert a tension spring between the cable and the stem, one side only.

You can get various types of tension, called tension rate etc.

Best to get a large stainless steel spring.

Start with this search.

http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=IjI&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-GB%3Aofficial&q=industrial+stainless+steel+tension+springs&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=
Also you'd have to insert a safety over ride if the spring breaks up there. So one end of the cable goes to the spring but at that point another piece of cable also goes to the eyebolt at the stem with some slack, if the spring breaks etc you still have the stems connected. Of course the distance of slack should be sufficient to allow the spring to do it's job.

You can even get custom made springs, you tell them the wire dia, outside diameter, length, and tension rate like how many pounds per inch. You might want 100 lbs per inch etc, what is the right amount?

Bit of an experiment eh.

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Chris Soiset

I did a lot of looking around, and found "drawbar springs."

Drawbar Springs - Compression Spring Assemblies

Those bottom out, so you wouldn't have to worry about over-extension. I just need to find one in stainless that has something like a 2,000 pound breaking strength. I don't know if they make them like that.

Chris Soiset

This one is available in stainless:
Item No: CDB-7015 [19 3/8 length, 2 1/4 dia., Rate - 150 lbs./Inch, Max. Deflection - 4.0, Max. Load - 610 lbs., Spring Steel, Drawbar Spring]

Max deflection is 4", and max working load is 610 lbs, but I don't know how conservative the factor of safety is. If they won't say, I could always just load one up. Usually a working load reflects anticipated dynamic loading, and the FS is 10, which means an ultimate breaking strength of 6,000 lbs. I'll see if I can find out.

Eric Frei

I don't think one size fits all, larger limbs means larger springs etc.

If you install it with just a touch of pretension (like say 50lbs) then providing it doesn't break when overloaded (past 610lbs) it's gotta be superior to straight cable as it will allow some movement.

Of course do not use on any crotch where there is already separation or cracks, only use on "suss" unions.

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