Bridging the Gap

[BillyMac]

Interested to know how others overcome the problem of getting a conductor(s) across say rivers,dams,trees ext. you know what I mean. We tend to,on the smaller crossings cast a line using a fishing rod across first then attach a small rope then the conductor. We have a job tomorrow pulling in a third phase on an existing single phase 11kv line across a creek, one theory is to attach the conductor to a small roller which in turn is placed on the existing conductor and pulled back across.
Don't know if the company would let me but I'm currently researching the use of firing a line across with my 12 Gauge Mossberg Shotgun, I clearly remember seeing said product in a catalog when I first purchased it ( I put that catalog some where safe:rolleyes: )

Any other tips or hints, I know on larger scale jobs a helicopter is a good way even seen it done with a Remote Control one!

CHEERS

[topgroove]

a bow&arrow with a fishing line on an open face real works well. in the navy when we had to get a line across from ship to ship we use to fire a what looked like a shotgun with red ball and a line attached to it.

[BigClive]

I've seen a small crossbow used to fire a draw line across voids before.

[T-Saw]

aww c'mon.... be a man and hold the line in your teeth and swim across. I'd do it right now ... except all the water is frozen....lol.
We had 2 guys pullin a conductor to me across a pasture one day last winter. There was a tiny little creek.....mostly iced over, and less than 2 feet wide most spots. They decided to both cross , at the widest spot, about 5 feet....which as it turns out had the thinnest ice. They were o.k. until they had gotten across and then accidentally slid back down the embankment and both went crashing onto the ice at the same time. The one only got his boots wet , but the other had to go sit in the truck for a bit, and dry out his pants.

[thrasher]

We have used a crossbow many times, have also put the boat in the water even more times. And when all else fails two grunts with chest waders in the swamp.

[Special ED]

One decent ape that can swim and two ropes. Tie one to the ape to retrieve him if he drowns and have him swim the other across.

The shotgun deal works great! We arent allowed to use them no more unless its from mountain to to mountain. There are line tossing bags you can buy at Far West Line Specialties but I don't know how good they are. Then you can tie a monkeys fist in a rope and give it a toss if its short enough. For a really long span I set up my tensioner and wire reel on one side put dollies on both arms on each side and pull the new in with the old by connecting them with two kellum grips and a swivel.

[JAKE]

helicopter!!

we use a compund bow with fishin kit on it quite a bit. helps get over trees too, go up high as your bucket will go and let er rip!!

[Moe]

I have use a gun thats .45 caliber and has a reel on the barrel with 1000' of line in it. It shoots a brass rod about 6" long with the line attached. I'll make some phone calls today and find out who makes it. I know it has to be cleaned often because the cartridges are black powder. It kicks like hell!

BTW, it works great.

[barehander]

been using one these for years.


http://www.navalcompany.com/linegunkit.htm

Yep, Sully.....used that thing myself.....we were up in the Grapevine and had to pull some wire across a canyon. We got the damn thing but with no string. My boss got the idea to go get some nylon string, at the hardware store. We cranked that thing open, put in the shell, put in the projectile, attached the string, shot it...........projectile gone, string still there. We rolled on the ground laughing and put the damn thing back in the case......throwing ball the rest of the day over all the trees.......
That line shooting gun is old and I'm sure where you live you've used it many times.......I'm just stunned that no one else on here has ever used one. And I thought PG&E was behind times.......

Sully, you are going to chew my ass, but 5 weeks ago on a one day notice, I drove up your town to show a GC crew how to install High Speed Breaks on a KPF MD switch. I forgot to bring along your address.....I was only there for 2 hrs and turned around and drove home........Sorrrrrrryyyyy.
It would have been my pleasure to meet you.
My friend, it will not be the last time I go there.
Your card is coming...
Take care..

[Moe]

Didn't see the link to the gun Sully was talking about but that's it! Works great but DO NOT hold your hand under the barrel behind the canister. It will just about break your index finger. I know, I did it.

[woody]

seen this more than once...foreman or lineman brought their dog to work...and put them to work...only on small river or creek crossings. worked pretty good too...the apps were especially happy. woody