what size cable for ropes course

by Ms. Marian Kub 3 min read

Standard cable diameters range from 3/16 of an inch to as thick as 1/2 inch or more, and the thicker the tow cable, the higher is its breaking strength. Breaking strength may range from 4,000 pounds to around 23,000 pounds for the half inch IWRC steel cables.

3/8" Galvanized Aircraft Cable (GAC)
Because of strength and flexibility this is the most widely used cable on the majority of ropes courses.

Full Answer

What are the classifications of wire rope?

The classifications of wire rope provide the total number of strands, as well as a nominal or exact number of wires in each strand. These are general classifications and may or may not reflect the actual construction of the strands.

What is a rope course?

An alpine tower at Warren Wilson College. A high course can be a pre-fabricated, professionally installed course, built of utility poles, cables, and bolts, or it can be a course that is hand-built in a wooded area, where ropes and wire are attached to different trees. Ropes courses can be described as static, dynamic, vertical, and M-Belay.

Does wire rope need to be coated?

The wires themselves can be coated but are most commonly available in a “bright” or uncoated finish. Strands of wire rope consist of two or more wires arranged and twisted in a specific arrangement. The individual strands are then laid in a helical pattern around the core of the rope.

What is the standard size of a rope?

1.25-Inch (31.7 mm) Rope & Cordage 1.5-Inch (38.1 mm) Rope & Cordage 2-Inch (50.8 mm) Rope & Cordage 3-Inch (76.2 mm) Rope & Cordage *Not every color, size and type of rope are available in every diameter  Rope Size Chart Size Number Metric Nominal Diameter Standard Nominal Diameter Rope Circumference #3 3 mm 1/8" 1/2" #5 5 mm 3/16" 5/8" #6 6 mm

How thick should zipline cable be?

CABLE SIZE CHARTGaugeBreaking StrengthZip Line Size3/16" Cable3,700 lb Min Breaking StrengthZip Lines Up To 200 FT1/4" Cable7,000 lb Min Breaking StrengthZip Lines Up To 200 FT5/16" Cable9,800 lb Min Breaking StrengthZip Lines Up To 500 FT3/8" Cable14,400 lb Min Breaking StrengthZip Lines Up To 1,000 FTJun 28, 2019

What type of cable do you use for a zipline?

Galvanized Aircraft CableGalvanized Aircraft Cable is the best type of cable for a zipline. It is strong and flexible and reasonably priced. The best size for ziplines under 100 feet is between 3/16 inch a 1/4 inch. Increase in diameter as length increases.

Can you use vinyl coated cable for zipline?

One cable that you absolutely want to avoid is rubber or plastic coated cable wire. This can cause the line to get too hot and create friction which slows the ride and tears at the bearing of the trolley as well as the cable itself.

What is a good length for a zipline?

100 feetAnchor HeightZip line Length100 feetZip line Sag2 feetElevation Change0 feetEnding Anchor Height9 feetStarting Anchor Height12 feet1 more row•Jul 14, 2019

What angle should a zip line be?

We recommend a 3 percent slope for mild speed, and a 6 percent slope as a maximum recommendation. In translation, for every 100 feet of zip line cable, we recommend a maximum 6 feet of drop.

How much weight can a zip line cable hold?

DID YOU KNOW? A TYPICAL ZIP LINE CABLE CAN APPLY 800 TO 3,000 POUNDS OF HORIZONTAL FORCE TO AN ANCHOR WHEN LOADED.

How much weight will a quarter inch cable hold?

Put me on the waiting listCable DiameterBreaking StrengthWorking Load Limit (5:1) Design Factor1/8"2,000 lbs400 lbs3/16"4,200 lbs840 lbs1/4"7,000 lbs1,400 lbs5/16"9,800 lbs1,960 lbs2 more rows

How do you cut a zipline cable?

0:571:57Cut Wire Rope Without Cutters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the cold chisel in between the two pieces of tape. And give it a good whack. And now you haveMorePlace the cold chisel in between the two pieces of tape. And give it a good whack. And now you have a nice cleanly cut piece of wire rope. This method won't be too useful if you're out in the field.

How much weight can a cable hold?

Cable weighs 0.065 pounds per foot and adheres to federal specification RR-W-410H....Put me on the waiting list.Cable DiameterBreaking StrengthWorking Load Limit (5:1) Design Factor3/32"1,000 lbs200 lbs1/8"2,000 lbs400 lbs3/16"4,200 lbs840 lbs1/4"7,000 lbs1,400 lbs2 more rows

Can you use a 6x6 post for a zipline?

We used 12 foot long 6x6 posts, and buried them 4 feet into the ground. We used 5 bags of fast-setting concrete for each post. We also used two 4 foot long 4x4 posts at each end, buried 3 1/2 feet deep, with 3 bags of concrete each, to connect guywires to for added support.

How do you make a homemade zip line?

Step 1 – Determine the Distance and Size of a Zipline. ... Step 2 – Stretch and Cut the Cable with an Angle Grinder. ... Step 3 – Make Protection Blocks for the Tree. ... Step 4 – Attach Protection Blocks Around the Tree. ... Step 5 – Loop and Secure the Cable Around the First Tree. ... Step 6 – Pull the Zipline With a Cable Winch Puller.More items...•

What can you do to make your zip line faster?

0:110:54How to Zip Line Faster - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you really want to get some speed. This is for advanced adverse. You want to lean back as far asMoreIf you really want to get some speed. This is for advanced adverse. You want to lean back as far as you can and make your body parallel to the ground this is going to make you really aerodynamic.

What are zip wires made of?

stainless steelA zip-line, zip line, zip-wire, flying fox, or death slide is a pulley suspended on a cable, usually made of stainless steel, mounted on a slope.

Can you use rope for a zipline?

Despite how thin it looks on the outside, you'd be surprised just how dense and durable they are on the inside! In most cases, the cable used for a zipline is either galvanized or stainless steel wire rope.

How much weight will a quarter inch cable hold?

Put me on the waiting listCable DiameterBreaking StrengthWorking Load Limit (5:1) Design Factor1/8"2,000 lbs400 lbs3/16"4,200 lbs840 lbs1/4"7,000 lbs1,400 lbs5/16"9,800 lbs1,960 lbs2 more rows

How do you cut a zipline cable?

0:571:57Cut Wire Rope Without Cutters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the cold chisel in between the two pieces of tape. And give it a good whack. And now you haveMorePlace the cold chisel in between the two pieces of tape. And give it a good whack. And now you have a nice cleanly cut piece of wire rope. This method won't be too useful if you're out in the field.

What is ropes course?

A ropes course is a challenging outdoor personal development and team building activity which usually consists of high and/or low elements. Low elements take place on the ground or above the ground. High elements are usually constructed in trees or made of utility poles and require a belay for safety.

What is a static rope course?

With a static course, participants are attached to an upper wire, belay cable, with lanyards ( ropes and carabiners) for safety. If the participant dangles, they will be caught by the wire.

What is the purpose of ropes?

Purpose. Ropes course advocates claim that they meet a number of educational, developmental, and recreational goals. High ropes course and climbing programs generally focus on personal achievements and ask participants to confront their personal fears and anxieties. Challenges may be physical and/or emotional.

What are low rope elements?

Low Ropes Elements: a series of cables, ropes, and obstacles strung between trees or poles, 12 to 18 inches above the ground, low rope elements present tests of physical strength, stamina, agility, balance, and flexibility, and invite participants to confront such emotional issues as the fear of falling, the fear of failure, and the fear of losing control. Risk is managed by group members who assume critical spotting roles. Examples include: Swinging Balance Beam, Triangle Traverse, Tire Swings, and Mohawk Walk.

What is the Tarzan assault course?

The British Royal Marines have an extremely difficult ropes course dubbed the 'Tarzan Assault Course'. To pass the Commando Course, recruits must complete this and other arduous tests consecutively under a strict time limit.

Where was the first ropes course?

Many ropes courses and challenge course programs in French Canada and Europe are still known as Hébertism courses today. Marble, Colorado, the site of the first Colorado Outward Bound course, has been cited as the location of the first ropes course in the US, although this is highly unlikely.

What is vertical course?

A vertical course is very similar to dynamic, except that the element is the climb up. Vertical courses can be: vertical obstacle courses with hanging logs, ladders, and tires or alpine towers with their unique hour-glass shape of activities.

Aircraft Cable

Small diameter 7×7 and 7×19 construction wire rope is commonly referred to as “aircraft cable”. IT IS NOT INTENDED FOR AIRCRAFT USE but designed for industrial and marine applications. According to Federal Specifications RR-W-410D, preformed, right regular lay, strand core, drawn galvanized.

7x19 Vinyl Coated Galvanized Wire

Designed for industrial and marine applications. When using wire rope clips with plastic coated cable, match clip size to uncoated cable diameter (3/16″ cable coated to 1/4″ takes 3/16″ clip). Strip plastic coating off cable where clips will be positioned for full holding power.

Logging Wire Ropes

6X9 Class (Dypac 6, Swaged, Cushioned) According to Federal Specification RR-W-410D, preformed, right regular lay, Drawn Galvanized.

What do you need to build a rope course?

Poles, Timbers, Posts, Lumber, Hardware. Get all the structural wood components you need to build your ropes course or zip line. Poles and timbers are available in almost any treatment level, including marine treatments, and all wood can be custom cut or drilled to meet your design requirements and save labor time during construction.

What is a non-tapered pole?

Non-tapered Solid Uniform Diameter (SUD) poles are ideal for horizontal elements of ropes courses. With the same diameter from end to end they are easier to design and build with and are more reliable for your course’s users. Used vertically (referred to as Structural Foundation Columns), they give the structural elements of your ropes course a more uniform appearance and scale.

What is the number to call American pole and timber?

Massive Selection. Custom Production. Worldwide Shipping. Call 1 (800) 716-0636 or... Contact American Pole & Timber.

Can zip lines be built with poly coated wood?

The locations of zip line courses often don’t make construction easy . With our No-taper Solid Uniform Diameter poles and huge supply of poly coated wood components, your zip line course will be easy to build, longer lasting, and stronger than ever before.

What is high ropes course?

The High Ropes course provides a perfect vehicle for coaching and for pro-actively asking for assistance and support. Our Interpersonal Feedback Skills workshop or Emotional Intelligence workshops provide techniques to practice out on the course.

How high are ropes in a business?

Business teams use harnesses, helmets, cables, ropes and wooden beams strung 20 to 50 feet high among trees or poles to explore risk-taking, trust and coaching. The unforgettable experience of the high ropes course creates an atmosphere of excitement to test your mettle and a safe place to try something new with the support of your work team.

Why are high ropes up in trees?

The high ropes elements are up in the trees so the perceived risk is high, but actual risk is low. Participants walk across cable bridges, negotiate giant ladders or ride zip lines through the trees as they overcome personal fears and develop new self confidence. Our philosophy enables every participant to experience their own success in the context of their own aspirations and preferred level of involvement.

How many components are there in wire rope?

There are four basic components that make up the design of a finished wire rope:

How is a compacted strand wire rope made?

Compacted strand wire rope is manufactured using strands that have been compacted, reducing the outer diameter of the entire strand, by means of passing through a die or rollers. This process occurs prior to closing of the rope.

Why are clearances between wires and strands balanced?

Clearances between wires and strands are balanced when a rope is designed so that proper bearing clearances will exist to permit internal movement and adjustment of wires and strands when the rope has to bend.

Why use wire rope?

This structure provides strength, flexibility, and the ability to handle bending stresses. Different configurations of the material, wire, and strand structure will provide different benefits for the specific lifting application, including:

What is a single layer of wire?

Single Layer – The most common example is a 7 wire strand with a single-wire center and six wires of the same diameter around it. Filler Wire – Two layers of uniform-size wire around a center with the inner layer having half the number of wires as the outer layer.

What is rope lubrication?

Lubrication is applied during the manufacturing process and penetrates all the way to the core. Wire rope lubrication has two primary benefits: Reduces friction as the individual wires and strands move over each other. Provides corrosion protection and lubrication in the core, inside wires, and outside surface.

What are wires made of?

Wires can be made from a variety of metal materials including steel, iron, stainless steel, monel, and bronze.

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Overview

Types of courses

A high course can be a pre-fabricated, professionally installed course, built of utility poles, cables, and bolts, or it can be a course that is hand-built in a wooded area, where ropes and wire are attached to different trees.
Ropes courses can be described as static, dynamic, vertical, and M-Belay. With a static course, participants are attached to an upper wire, belay cable, with lany…

Terminology

Ropes courses are referred to using several different names, including Challenge Courses, Ropes Challenge Courses, Teams Course, and Low Ropes, as well as more idiosyncratic names such as the Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience (Project COPE) course (used by the Boy Scouts of America).
An Aerial Adventure Park (or "European-Style" Adventure Park, Tree-Top Advent…

History

It is unclear where and when the first ropes course was created. Obstacle courses have been used by the military to train soldiers as far back as the ancient Greeks. Those courses, however, were primarily used for the training of extremely fit individuals and not necessarily aimed at the development of unremarkable persons as is common practice on ropes courses today. The us…

Modern courses

Since the 1980s, ropes course sophistication has evolved considerably. Modern ropes courses incorporate sophisticated belay and safety systems using wire rope, friction devices, and climbing harnesses to manage what before were unmanaged risks. Recent technological advances in pole hardware and climbing equipment along with industry-accepted installation and design practices hav…

Purpose

Ropes course advocates claim that they meet a number of educational, developmental, and recreational goals. High ropes course and climbing programs generally focus on personal achievements and ask participants to confront their personal fears and anxieties. Challenges may be physical and/or emotional. In certain cases, high element programs involve the development and mastery of technical skills to manage rope belay systems used to secure other climbers as t…

Research

Despite the rapid development of ropes course programming during the latter part of the 20th century and the increasing sophistication and professionalism in ropes course construction, there remains a lack of clear scientific consensus about the many claimed psychosocial training benefits of ropes course participation.

See also

• Adventure therapy
• Group-dynamic game
• Karl Rohnke
• Outdoor education
• Project Adventure