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Re: [TowerTalk] Pulling coax through PVC pipe

To: "'Dave Sublette'" <k4to.dave@gmail.com>, "'kj6y--- via TowerTalk'" <towertalk@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Pulling coax through PVC pipe
From: "Steve Jones" <n6sj@earthlink.net>
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2018 09:43:14 -0800
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
Dave-

I only have experience pulling multiple runs of small Heliax and control cables 
through a much larger 3" conduit.  But based on what you're describing, I think 
you will need to pull out the coax runs, with a new pull rope (1/4" nylon?) 
attached to the end, then use it to pull the new coax through.  I don't 
understand the comments about AC power from others.  It sounds like your 14-2 
was used just to minimize voltage drop on a 250' 12 volt control line.  I 
recommend you make the splice to the new pull rope as slim as possible, and not 
introduce a new "lump" into the conduit.  I don't see how lube will help 
pulling the old coax out, since the far end will disappear into the conduit 
immediately and the end you're pulling will be out of the conduit.  I used Home 
Depot cable lube and it worked fine.  I recommend lots of it for pulling the 
new runs.

73,
Steve
N6SJ


-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Dave 
Sublette
Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2018 8:17 AM
To: kj6y--- via TowerTalk
Subject: [TowerTalk] Pulling coax through PVC pipe

Good morning,

28 years ago I buried a 1.5 inch schedule 40 PVC pipe in the ground and ran 
some low loss coax and a three wire electrical control cable (14-2 house wiring 
cable).  The 14-2 is used to operate a remotely control phasing box for my 80 
meter four square.  The coax feeds either my 160 vertical or the 80M array.

Well it’s time to replace the coax.  The PVC pipe is 250 feet long and in a 
straight line(thankfully).  I suspect I will have to pull both cables with the 
new cables tied to the end.  I’ve never done this before and could use a little 
advice.  I googled but most of what I found started with empty pipe and ran a 
“string mouse” through with a shopvac. When I installed the cables initially, I 
laid them out on the ground and slipped the pipe over them ten feet at a time. 
Fortunately, there is a fair amount of room left in the pipe.  The two cables 
did not fill up the space entirely.

My first question is if there is some sort of lubricant I should use to reduce 
friction?

That’s also my last question, but I know there must be several things to 
consider I am betting that this group has the answers. I have a come-along, a 
tractor, and a fair amount of tools.  I’m just not sure how to proceed.

I am eager to see what you all have to say.

Thanks.

Dave, K4TO
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