Cable Lacing

[kswan]

I found this interesting, and I'm sure some of you here will too.
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/10/lost_knowledge_cable_lacing.html

 

[lassoharp]

Most definitely -

Thanks for posting this!  ;D

It takes some practice to get that right but a worthwhile pursuit

 

[Moby]

Good one, thanks  ;D

 

[burdij]

I use this method all the time. The best substitute for official lacing cord that I have found is waxed dental floss. It usually nylon, comes in a number of different gauges, and the wax holds it in place, even on slippery plastic insulation. I do anchor the last tie and knot wrap with a cable tie if its a whip end with no breakouts.

 

[sonicmook56]

I don't really see a difference between (A) the wrong way and (B) the right way..  Am I not seeing something?

The angel looks a bit different, but I don't see why that would matter.
???

 

[MHanson]

I did have a question about the knots shown in the ARRL Radio Handbook, but this document listed at the end of the Wikipedia page answered it: http://www.dairiki.org/hammond/cable-lacing-howto/

I was wondering why (A) was inferior to (B) but I guess it's because the knot is only self-locking if the cord goes under the loop and not over. Good to know!

Also, the Wikipedia page for cable lacing, linked to in the article, says that "a series of overhand knots" isn't recommended, and I'm pretty sure that the ARRL image says that overhand knots, (C), is the preferred method. A cursory examination of the the Navy book linked to above didn't reveal why, though they did give a 'square knot + two lock stiches' a shout out. Anyone care to comment?

 

[wtmnmf]

I don't really see a difference between (A) the wrong way and (B) the right way..  Am I not seeing something?

The angel looks a bit different, but I don't see why that would matter.
???

B holds the loop tight against the bundle.

 

[MagnetoSound]

I don't really see a difference between (A) the wrong way and (B) the right way..  Am I not seeing something?

The angel looks a bit different, but I don't see why that would matter.
???

B holds the loop tight against the bundle.

Not quite ...

In (A), the interlock is rising down the length of the bundle, like a staircase - eventually it will twist all the way round the cable.

In (B), the interlock is kept parallel with one of the cables and so stays on one side of the bundle all the way down.

 

[wtmnmf]

I don't really see a difference between (A) the wrong way and (B) the right way..  Am I not seeing something?

The angel looks a bit different, but I don't see why that would matter.
???

B holds the loop tight against the bundle.

Not quite ...

In (A), the interlock is rising down the length of the bundle, like a staircase - eventually it will twist all the way round the cable.

In (B), the interlock is kept parallel with one of the cables and so stays on one side of the bundle all the way down.

The staircase effect only happens if you let it. If you make a slight adjustment to the run it won't happen.  The main feature of (A) is that the loop is held tight against the bundle and the wax grips it so it is less likely to loosen.  That's my experience anyway...

I do feel at a disadvantage going up against an Englishman when it comes to knots though  ;D

 

[MagnetoSound]

I do feel at a disadvantage going up against an Englishman when it comes to knots though  ;D

You shouldn't! I said interlock, when I should have said overlock. (Twice! : )

;D