Cable size

[scottessex]

What is the cable size to use for the rudder pedals? I used 1/8" before, is 3/32" ok to use or should I just use the 1/8".

[Chuck Irby]

Scott, We use 3/32 7 x 19 stainless on the Dom's.

[scottessex]

Thanks Chuck, that's what I thought. I think 1/8" is overkill.

[Chuck Irby]

You're more than welcomw, Scott. The 3/32 has a breaking strength of right at 1000 pounds, if I remember correctly. Just make sure you use the proper crimping tool. :D Just joking, as I know you wouldn't do anything as stupid as what I did once.

[scottessex]

Hey, that's how we learn. John left his nicopress tool at the house, It looks better on my wall than His. :)

I wish I could get some more of the old style cables I had, the fork end was swedged onto the cable, looked real clean and nice. But the guy here that makes the cables is an **$hole. so I will just make them myself this time. :D

[ElJay]

Hi.
What is a nicopress? I am supposin that they are some kind of cable clamp on doodad?
My gyro (hey..listen to me! he he, my gyro)...anyway, it was built with plain old regular/normal U-B0lt/brackets. (2 on each end of the cable). Since I'm rebuilding, I'd like to get it right, I noticed that the drawings show/tell about some kind of cable clamp, but I've never heard/seen them yet...can you help me out? I DO need to replace cables, etc, just haven't got that far yet..
Thanks
LJ

[scottessex]

There is a copper (nicopress) sleeve that the cable passes through, that is swedged with the proper tool, it looks like a set of bolt cutters, this is the only way to swedge a sleeve properly, The cable clamps WILL come loose and fail, get rid of them and get it done properly.

Chuck Irby had a cable come loose, He can tell you a story.

[Dean_Dolph]

Scott, I assume you have taken note of Chuck's cable 7X19 strand specs as well as the diameter.

[scottessex]

Yes I have. I am getting it from Aircraft Spruce on my way home from work tomorrow.

[Harry_S.]

Home Depot and Lowes has a brute of a swaging tool that crimps 1/16, 3/32, 1/8, and 3/16". Crimps are same as Nicro crimps.

Part# 7679037 is an 18 in. tool. My cost was $27.50.

Beats A/C Spruces' $170.00.

[Doug Riley]

Inexpensive bolt-operated Nico swagers are available at boat stores. They're clumsier than the bolt-cutter rigs, but are small enough to carry in your tool box and adequate for the few swages we need on a gyro. The Bensen plans even included a drawing for a homemade version of the bolt-operated type! I still have mine.

Be sure to use the right Nicopress sleeve. Copper ones go on galvanized cable and zinc (silver-colored) go on stainless cable.

[scottessex]

Thanks! I'll look into a set of the cable swedgers at home depot. But for now I have John's high $$$ set, really nice too. He's such a pal!

[Harry_S.]

You're right Doug on the bolt operated swagers. I have them too, but they are clumsy, especially in tight places, when crimping the second end of the run.

I think the swager available at Home Depot or Lowes is a good buy; compared to the cost of a Nicro Press crimper.

Also, a good caution on using the proper sleeve material to eliminate corrosion.