Summer is here. When the weather is cool enough, it’s a great time to let your pet out to enjoy some fresh air and run about. If you’re considering putting your pet on a cable runner, here are some things to consider when choosing the runner components.
You may have run across this when setting up a dog run.
This runner is made up of a brass snap hook connected to a galvanized cable coated with vinyl. Over time, the vinyl coating will wear off, exposing the raw cable and leading to rust. In this case, the rough raw cable created a groove in the delicate brass snap hook. If you don't replace a worn-out hook, there's a risk of your dog wandering around the neighborhood in a dangerous situation.
To avoid this danger, we recommend using a stainless steel snap hook instead and including a stainless steel thimble in the termination point for a setup that will last longer. By doing so, you can ensure the safety of your dog. Remember to always inspect the fittings of your runner before attaching your dog to it.
Items you will need:
- Stainless steel lag eyebolts (if you are setting your runner up between two wooden posts or trees)
- Stainless steel cable for the horizontal run (3/16" or 1/4" will likely be strong enough)
- Vinyl coated galvanized cable, or vinyl coated SS cable for the vertical run down to the dog
- Swivel eye block to connect the vertical run to the horizontal run
- Thimbles sized to your cable diameter to make wear resistant eyes
- Wire rope clips or swage sleeves to make the termination
- Stainless steel snap link to connect the cable to the dog's collar or harness.
Set-Up as easy as 1, 2, 3... 4
- Run a length of cable with a swivel eye block between two sturdy structures. Be sure to attach the swivel eye block on the cable before securing the cable to the structure.
- If you are setting it up between two wooden structures, use the stainless steel lag eyebolts to connect the cable to the wood structure. Attach the cable to each eye bolt by creating a termination using a thimble and wire rope clip.
- Connect one end of the vinyl coated galvanized cable to the swivel eye and form the connection with a thimble.
- Connect the other end of the vinyl coated galvanized cable to a stainless steel snap link and form the connection with a thimble.
If you are seeking information on the proper installation of wire rope clips, please checkout this blog explaining different wire rope clips and the different environments in which each wire rope clip is best suited.
