swivel to pull cables 1

[Kwick18]

Has anyone used a swivel when they pull cables. I find the memory on the cable and the twist of the jet line twisting my pull string in my cables and I can only pull a couple of times before a have to run a new string. I have found bigger ones but none that are designed for telecommunications. Any thoughts?

 

[curlycord]

As you pull the cable it turns and twists in the pipe and once it's in there you have no control. The only thing I can recommend is to pull more at once and experiment with different makes of cables as some twist more then others. When I had only so many boxes I used to pull out a bunch down the hall and chop and number them and keep doing that till you have the amount you need then pull them all at once with a fishtape. ~Will Nortel soon be NoTel??~

 

[curlycord]

I read the question wrong as I did not understand the swivel but now I know what you mean. I bet if you use even a strong little key chain type it might do the job? ~Will Nortel soon be NoTel??~

 

[shipwright]

OK THEN WHAT IS A SWIVEL???? AND WHAT DOES IT DO????

 

[curlycord]

The thing is when you pull the data cables into the pipe it starts to twist in the pipe because all the pairs are twisted around each other, the swivel would be a contraption to go between the tip of the cables and the string...think of 2 round rings attached to each other and when you twist one ring the other does not, I am not certian it would work because what is to say the cable will still twist but now the string won't? and will the swivel fit in the pipe when the pipe now has cables in it?...trial and error? ~Will Nortel soon be NoTel??~

 

[skip555]

rather than a keychain swivel try a fishing one from a sporting goods store.

should be able to get one large enough to do the trick

 

[daronwilson]

We use a swivel for pulling fiber, but not for copper. From your description it sounds like the problem you are experiencing is the bucket o' string problem. In my experience, the bucket of string is great for pulling or shooting in, and then pulling wires. It totally sucks (IMHO) for pulling in with the wire. The strings natural coil/twist wraps around the wire great, just like it was designed to do that. I have almost completely quit using the bucket of string as a pullstring in place with the wire. We find many times that the second or third pull burns quite a bit of the insulation off the jacket or wire, the string is just too abrasive.

In larger conduits (2-4&quot we often use 3/16" poly rope or 3/4" mule tape. The poly rope comes as a pull rope in fiber innerduct so we save the big pieces for pull ropes. The mule tape is a flat webbing product that comes on a big roll, has tons of pull strength, and lays flat pretty much when you pull it in (it is available in various widths and strengths, and often has foot marking). Personally I think the best way is to pull in your first run, pull it tight, push a fish tape with a ball on the end (I just make a wad of electrical tape) that helps the fish tape ride on top of the wires instead of intertwine with them as it goes in, then pull another run.

I suppose a swivel could help on the copper wires as well too, but I think you would need one swivel for each wire you pull, sounds like quite a bit of extra work. Also if you can lay the cables out before pulling it sometimes relaxes them, and of course, probably the best helper is good wire lube like Auqagel if you are pulling in conduit.

Good Luck!
It is only my opinion, based on my experience and education...I am always willing to learn, educate me!
Daron J. Wilson, RCDD
daron.wilson@lhmorris.com

 

[Kwick18]

All of my pulls are in cable tray and not in conduit. I do not have the luxury of laying out the cable and then pulling it in. Work in a healthcare environment that is open 24/7. I can visit the same path 5 different times in a couple months. Have a remodel project that requires about 80 lines and the most I can pull (with not blocking hallways, fire alarms, ect.) is 10 to 12 lines.

shipwright: A swivel is designed to twist between the pull string and the cable to try to prevent the natural turning of the bundle.

skip555: not being a fishermen do they have enough strength?

daronwilson: With the size of the facility I do not think it is cost effective to use the rope.

Thanks for all the input. With so many different ways to get a cable from point A to B I like seeing the different methods.

 

[daronwilson]

In cable tray, you may want to consider just popping up every 20 feet or so and using push rods to work your way through. Installations like that are a challange, you just dont want to pull the string so hard that it damages your wire, obviously. I think anything is better than that string. I've bought small nylon line used for tying fishing nets, its very affordable and doesnt have the memory of the twist that messes things up.

Good Luck! It is only my opinion, based on my experience and education...I am always willing to learn, educate me!
Daron J. Wilson, RCDD
daron.wilson@lhmorris.com