Guy Wires

[inzeos]

Any particular recommendations on sourcing metal guy wires and associated fittings?  Is it cost effective to source this at a local big box store?

[cBell]

I got my stuff from this guy on eBay

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

[bcstuff]

This is the guy I have ordered from as have many others:
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

He also has an ebay store
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

[inzeos]

Which type of materials are you using?  Looks like the big differences are galvanized vs stainless vs coated, diameter of material and type of braid...

I'm wondering if this would be suitable;

Wire Rope - Aircraft Cable 1/8", 7x7, by the foot $0.07

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

[bcstuff]

I probably went a little overboard, but I am using 3/16 7x19 galvanized wire rope. The stainless was too much for me.

The 7x7 you reference will be a bit stiffer than the 7x19. I also would not recommend the coated, I have read problems with coated cable slipping at your wire rope clips.

I will use two wire rope clips at each end with a thimble. At the anchored end I will have a 3/8 turnbuckle with 3/8 quick links. I bought 36" auger anchors for carport tie downs for my anchor.

The top it will be connected by a 3/8 quick link.

My mega tree is 20ft but it gets windy here. I was going to have 3 guy wires, but couldn't find a good attachment for a 3 guy wire system, so I went with 4. 

[Steve Gase]

I planned to use steel guy wires, then read about WALTER & JACKIE MONKHOUSE's Portable Hole.

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

I need to find time this weekend to work on it.

[inzeos]

I planned to use steel guy wires, then read about WALTER & JACKIE MONKHOUSE's Portable Hole.

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

I need to find time this weekend to work on it.

A stable base is one thing; however, it's not a replacement for guy wires.  There tests are pull strength against a pole.  Doesn't simulate wind blowing your poll back and forth loaded with lights.

[Ron]

Does anybody have a good write up or how to on how to setup guy wires?  I've never done this and would like some instruction before I attempt.

Thanks.

Ron

[kfxi]

WHAT NOT TO BUY!   Don't buy the wire people use when they make old fashioned close lines.  HD and lowes has it cheap in fifty foot coils.  The problem is it streches and every day you have to take it apart and tighten the guy wires. even if you use turnbuckles it is still a big mess

Ken

[basis21b]

The Blow Mold Mega-Tree you see in the picture at the URL is supported on Walter's JUMP in a portable hole.  Carrie (the display owner) says it handled the Chicago 2010-2011 winter very well. 

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

[Steve Gase]

This also looks like a good system...  with guy wires:

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

[inzeos]

This also looks like a good system...  with guy wires:

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

As far as I can tell his guy wire kits are only pre-set up for 20 foot tree's.

[bcstuff]

Christmas light show sells the guy wire collar I am using.

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

and the mega hook head

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

I am also building a 2 stage JUMP.

[Steve Gase]

This also looks like a good system...  with guy wires:

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

As far as I can tell his guy wire kits are only pre-set up for 20 foot tree's.

I've purchased the topper from them, and 2 connectors for the black pipe... I have gotten a winch from harbor freight, and now plan to use the portable hole II.  I will adjust the length of the pole to whatever I need, so the 20-ft is not a problem.

[lineman]

Not 20ft but tall enough for me and NO guy wires , I use this last year in FL and we had some nasty rain storms and it stayed up and you could put sand bags or whatever on the ring