Like Tom, K5RC, I have also used the :"Stran-vise" fittings by removing the
guts but I have also had a failure of one fitting. The part that forms a loop
has a ball shape press-formed on each end of the loop. Theses balls catch in a
slot on each side of the socket to provide a way connect the devise to an
anchor or tuenbuckle. One of my stranvise fittings failed when one of the
balls broke off from the loop.
The original phillystran termanation used the stran-vise cone and a loop made
of a metal strap about two inches wide and .125 inches thick.
There are many sizes of stranvises available. Perhaps using one of the larger
sizes would give a margin of safety, but you are off on your own with that
idea. If a larger size is used, the Phillystran jacket can be increased in
diamater to fit the cone by wrapping it with pvc tape layers untill it fits
the cone tightly.
The original Socket-fast Blue potting compound is still available from
Phillystran as they still prefer this attachment method for larger cables they
sell. Actually, they prefer it for or size cables as well but hams bitched
about it so much they have gone to other methods used today.
Hope this helps, 73 de Gerald, K5GW, CEO/General Manager/Texas Towers
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