Figure 3-49.—Adhesive cloth tape applied to wire rope.
After the broomed out wires have been
thoroughly cleaned, wrap the end of the wire rope
with two longitudinal strips of pressure-sensitive
tape for a distance of 2 feet, leaving the broomed
out wires and 1/2 inch of the seizing exposed
(fig. 3-49).
The method used in preparing wire rope and
terminals for zinc-poured terminals includes a grit
blast method for etching the cables and terminals
prior to pouring. A grit blast cabinet assembly is
carried in the Section E Arresting Gear Allowance
List.
The following steps are used in the grit blast
method:
1. Fill the cabinet hopper with loose grit, 100
pounds minimum to 200 pounds maximum.
2. Install the applicable inserts in the cabinet,
depending on the size of the purchase cable being
cleaned.
3. Open the door of the grip blast cabinet by
holding two thumbscrews and lifting. Place the
prepared end of the wire rope into the grit blast
cabinet to a convenient working location. Support
the wire rope externally so that it enters
horizontally. Secure the door with the wire rope in
position. The wire rope should fit snugly. If the
inserts used do not effect a snug fit, apply tape or
cloth to that area of the wire rope.
An 80-100 psi dry-air source must be connected
to an air filter located in the grit blast cabinet.
Turn on the air source when ready to blast the wire
rope.
4. With hands in the gloves of the cabinet,
grasp the blasting gun in one hand; and with the
other hand, hold the siphon tube 1 inch or more
below the surface of the grit. See figure 3-50.
5. Blast the broomed-out wires with the gun
nozzle tip 1/4 inch away from the wires. Use a back
and forth motion over the entire length of exposed
broomed-out wires, from the top of the wires to the
bottom of the wires.
Continue until a dull
nonreflective surface appears on the wires. Rotate
the wire rope 90°, using the applicable twisting
wrench. See figure 3-51.
Figure 3-50.—Grit blasting of wire rope.
Figure 3-51.—Rotating the cable in the grit blast cabinet.
3-54
