Never Saddle a Dead Horse....

As a certified rigger and developer of the new CSA rigging certification this is one of my pet peeves.
I grew up in a farm community where I have seen every mistake in the book as far as rigging and general safety goes.
The common argument when I bring this to their attention is that they have always done it this way so why should they listen to someone who is actually trained in this area. It was good enough for Grampa, that's all they need to know.

when i was working we had a book that had tables in it for the number of clamps needed depending on cable size and breaking strength---wish i had made some copies!

[quote="seiscat"]I recently viewed a post that had pictures of cable clamps securing the end of a cable to an attachment. The clamps in the photo faced opposite of each other. I have seen this mistake numerous times. The long part of the cable, the “working” or portion of the cable under load is called the “live line” and the end of the cable which is secured by cable clamps to the “live line” to form a loop is called the “dead line”. The cable clamp consists of a U-bolt with nuts and the “saddle” which is cast with an impression of the cable in it so that it tightly grips the cable. I was taught the phrase “Never Saddle a Dead Horse” to remember which way to face cable clamps.
If a cable loop is secured by two cable clamps facing opposite directions, in reality the loop is only secured by one of the clamps as the “dead line” with the saddle on it will easily slip the U-bolt along the “live line”.:doh:[/quote]

Same phrase I have used my entire career. It is entirely correct. And another one is when using a becket and wedge clamp for securing a cable end. The clamp should never be on the working side of the cable. An rare exception would be with a special clamp like some Grove cranes use on the becket. Only the dead end should be clamped either by making a loop and clamping to itself or by adding a short piece of cable and clamping. Folks doing any pulling or hoisting with cable and chokers should stop by their rigging supply house and pick up a rigging handbook. They are often free. You will be surprised at the number of ways they will show you how not to use a cable or choker to avoid getting hurt or worse.

Well, now I hafta go check my tow cable, probably did it wrong. In fact I think I braided in the loops and clamped the small ends

yep yep and yep try telling someone they are doing it wrong and even worse if you have to try and tell someone 20 or 30 years older than your self they can get in real mood
on lifts (elevators) and cranes in Australia we arent allowed to use bulldog clips as we call them we have to use wedges, babbitted, sockets or swages
we are only allowed to clamp the dead end and all wedges must be pinned

Paul

Well, now I hafta go check my tow cable, probably did it wrong. In fact I think I braided in the loops and clamped the small ends