Mega Tree Guy Wires

[dnesci]

I'm building a 12' mega tree and am wondering what gauge would be appropriate for the guy wires. I was leaning to 3/32" but didn't know if that was a little light. I will be using three wires at 6' and at 12'.

Thanks for your input.
Don

[Wayne J]

Actually, that is on the heavy side. IMO. I use 1/16" at the same heights. Been through some serious wind storms and no issues.

[kostyun]

I'm using 3/16" myself - but - my tree is a little higher! Everything else I use 1/8' on (bethlehem star over the house, etc)

There's a seller on ebay - can't quite remember the name right now - I know a 250 ft spool of 3/16" is $45 or so.

[dnesci]

Thanks Wayne and Frank. At 3/32" I'm almost in the middle. Sounds like 1/8 would be fine as well.

Wayne: Are the flanges you are using custom or are they a part I can find in a home improvement store?

[Wayne J]

It is custom, nothing fancy, just used a piece of .090 sheetmetal and a hole saw.

[g2ktcf]

It is custom, nothing fancy, just used a piece of .090 sheetmetal and a hole saw.

Do not let Wayne fool you...."nothing fancy" ...the man has tools we only dream of....AND he has access to the high dollar stuff.

His hole saw was probably mounted in a 5Hp Drill Press or a Vertical Mill!! :mrgreen:

jk Wayne!

[kostyun]

I've been getting wire rope supplies from this guy:

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Pambina-ImpEx__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Appears to be QUITE reasonable! The price is also great on the wire rope clips.

One trick I do on my wire rope to keep the ends from fraying is to put a piece of heat shrink tubing over them.

[rstehle]

I've been getting wire rope supplies from this guy:

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Pambina-ImpEx__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Appears to be QUITE reasonable! The price is also great on the wire rope clips.

One trick I do on my wire rope to keep the ends from fraying is to put a piece of heat shrink tubing over them.

I have bought from this seller also. You can't beat his prices on wire rope!! He will combine shipping for you on multiple items too!

[DennyMo]

Thanks for the link to this vendor, nice looking prices. I'm going to pick up some of his 1/16" coated wire rope and thimbles. Questions:
- To clamp the rope around the thimbles, do I need to remove the vinyl coating where the sleeve gets clamped on?
- If so, how do I protect the assembly and inner cable from corrosion?

[dirknerkle]

I was talking to a neighbor the other day about my new mega-tree, and during our conversation, his wife came out to say hello just as he was asking if I had planned to use any guy wires. His wife jumped into the conversation...

"What is it with you guys? Guy this -- guy that -- everything to do with guys! It's not like they don't have those things for girls, ya know..." and she stomped off...

I was speechless. :?

[Photovor]

Harbor Freight has some ok prices on cable too (if you don't want to go the ebay route). Check back where their rope section is.

From their website:

3mm x 100ft - $9.99
3/16" x 50ft - $9.99

Pricey if you compare it to the ebay guy though.

[bmcgeeny]

I'm building a 12' mega tree and am wondering what gauge would be appropriate for the guy wires. I was leaning to 3/32" but didn't know if that was a little light. I will be using three wires at 6' and at 12'.

Thanks for your input.
Don

At 12 feet I wouldn't worry about guy wires. I use 10' 3" PVC held up with three T fenceposts. I string my 4 colors together and fasten to the top and then use a lawn staple to the ground. I put it up, go out once 2 days later and tighten them all after they have evened out and that's it. With 24 sets of 4 wires it would take a lot to take this thing down.

[rstehle]

Most of his wire rope is galvanized, so corrosion shouldn't be a big problem. He also has Stainless Steel cable for sale............


Thanks for the link to this vendor, nice looking prices. I'm going to pick up some of his 1/16" coated wire rope and thimbles. Questions:
- To clamp the rope around the thimbles, do I need to remove the vinyl coating where the sleeve gets clamped on?
- If so, how do I protect the assembly and inner cable from corrosion?

[CrazyG]

So, how does everyone tension the guy wires? Pull taut and use turnbuckles?

[Wayne J]

So, how does everyone tension the guy wires? Pull taut and use turnbuckles?

Yep, that is what I use.

[chris2879]

I just used some rope last year. My tree was about 12 ft tall Ans just secured it be four lines from the top. I will not say it was the best but it did not fall over with 32 strands on it!!

[jnealand]

For my 10ft tree last year I found some 14ft racheting straps in green and they worked great and looked great. This year I'm going to 16ft and will still use the 14ft racheting straps at the 10ft level, but with 64 strings of lights from the top down I'm not planning to use another guy wire at the top. But if I change my mind I have a bunch of green vinyl coated cable I can add for going to the very top.

[christmas.way]

thanks for the info...