Where to get 1/4" cable?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Where to get 1/4" cable?

Posted: 10/26/2010 5:02:38 PM EDT

I need to pull some logs out of the woods at my BOL. Chain is way too much $$$. Tow straps would work(maybe) if I tied 5 together but then I've got 5 tow straps I don't really need. I'm thinking 100' of 1/4" cable w/ a hook on each end would work. And I know I would use it again as I fool with logs 2-3 times a year. Where can I get cable? Any better ideas?

Posted: 10/26/2010 5:10:29 PM EDT

[#1]

I would say check with your local drilling companies (water, oil, gas whatever). They routinely change out spools (OSHA rules I think) and my oil/gas company would sell it cheap to whoever wanted it and came and got it.

Posted: 10/26/2010 5:14:35 PM EDT

[#2]

FInd someone with an off road truck and a winch. Most winch cables can run 80-100' feet easily.

Posted: 10/26/2010 5:37:06 PM EDT

[#3]

They sell cable, hooks, and thimbles at big box hardware (Lowes or Home Depot)

Or if you are feeling brave try Harbor Freight, but they only list 50' lengths ($17). One of there cheap winchs might be the best deal ––12 VDC, 3000 lb capacity, 30' cable ––- ATV size

Posted: 10/26/2010 6:21:01 PM EDT

[#4]

Amsteel Blue Much better then steel cable , just for the fact that you can actually use it again
unlike what usually happens to steel cable as when you use it as drag line .

Posted: 10/26/2010 11:24:09 PM EDT

[#5]

what are you pulling it out with? quad, truck? any reason you cant get to the logs and then pull them out with just a short strap/chain? or just cut them up, throw em on the quad and go?

Posted: 10/27/2010 12:22:39 AM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Amsteel Blue Much better then steel cable , just for the fact that you can actually use it again
unlike what usually happens to steel cable as when you use it as drag line .

Amsteel Blue is awesome. I would love to have some good rigging ropes, but so far I have not been able to justify the expense.

Posted: 10/27/2010 4:08:41 AM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
what are you pulling it out with? quad, truck? any reason you cant get to the logs and then pull them out with just a short strap/chain? or just cut them up, throw em on the quad and go?

They're 8'4" lengths of Aspen- surprisingly heavy. I'm having them sawed into 3/4" boards for panelling. I can't back a 4 wheel drive to them because of other trees and brush. They HAVE to be removed before I start my cabin. In Northern MN btw.

Posted: 10/27/2010 5:27:57 AM EDT

[#8]

Good tow straps are going to cost a lot.

The amsteel cable is a good idea. I use it all the time on my four wheeler and really love it.

Chain while expensive will last several lifetimes if not overly abused.

Posted: 10/27/2010 9:29:12 AM EDT

[#9]

You could also try a scaffold company. If they deal with suspended scaffold, they probably have a boatload of used 5/16" (along with clips, thimbles and hooks).

Posted: 10/27/2010 9:52:22 AM EDT

[#10]

Just remember that a cable snapping under tension can be deadly. After seeing what one can do I prefer straps or chains. Chains are not great but not as bad as cable.

Posted: 10/27/2010 10:16:52 AM EDT

[#11]

I've got a long piece of 5/16 in. that I got at a local mill supply. I used to have it as a roadside barrier, but took it down when I got a tractor. I use it for pulling large pine trunks around in the woods, and it has proven to be very useful.

I do share the safety concerns posted above. I work slow and stop if things seem to be getting in a bind.

Posted: 10/27/2010 11:03:47 AM EDT

[#12]

Around hear NAPA has cable, Tractor supply should have it along with many hardware stores I think even Fasenal has it as well. Amsteel blue is very strong but does not have the greatest abrasion resistance and would probable fail rather quickly if used to drag logs through the dirt. Chain is more expensive but it will probably last the longest and you should be able to us it for a lifetime. The cable would most like be a good compromise between price and strength but is probably the most dangerous but you are working with some relatively light loads so it probably negligible. The chain will still be cheaper than just some minor doctor bills.

Posted: 10/28/2010 3:38:23 AM EDT

[#13]

Went to Lowe's and 1/4" vinyl coated steel cable is $.74 per foot. So, for $100 I can have 100' w/ hooks,etc. Sounds like the way to go for this use. I think 1/4" steel will be quite than enough for pulling the logs I have. Thanks much.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Where to get 1/4" cable?

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