Guy Wire, Hardware, & Anchors
Guy Wire
Guy wire and its related components are designed to provide stability to towers, antennas, and other utility structures.
The combination of its high-strength, lightweight design with easy-to-add big grips, end sleeves, clamps, and other hardware offers a versatile and safe set up for a variety of applications. It also has very little stretch.
Popular uses include antenna, telephone pole, and utility pole jobs - it will do well in almost any situation that requires high tension.
EHS Wire Specifications
Our guy wire is all EHS: Extra High Strength. It's also all galvanized, which provides protection from the elements over time.
This cable is available in two configurations:
Guy Wire Hardware
One factor that makes guy wire so versatile is its compatibility with a variety of hardware.
Big Grip Dead Ends
Big grip dead ends are intended for use with EHS galvanized strands on structures that require high tensioning, such as communications and transmission towers. They create a strong, secure termination point.
Designed for a single, one-time use, it can reapplied up to two times within 90 days of the first install if the structure requires re-tensioning. Installing a big grip dead end usually does not require tools, and it can be used with wire rope thimbles.
End Sleeves / Ice Clips
End sleeves are required in guy wire installation with big grip dead ends. Using an end sleeve will ensure the strands will not unravel over time. They are hot dipped galvanized for corrosion-resistance.
Wire Rope Clips
Our wire rope clips are designed to clamp the loose end of guy wire after it's been looped back to form an eye.
Galvanized drop forged clips consist of a U-bolt and have a saddle that is secured in place by two nuts. Assemblies generally require at least two or three wire rope clips to properly secure the ends to the length of the wire rope.
Their heavy-duty construction is hot-dipped galvanized and then zinc-plated for extra corrosion protection.
Trusted manufacturer Crosby® also offers wire rope clips: a drop forged version and a fist grip version. The fist grip clips are designed to allow for quick installation - the nut location lets the operator make full use of each twist of the wrench.
Crosby® wire rope clips meet or exceed all requirements of ASME B30.26.
Shackles
A versatile component for connecting wire rope, as well as chain, slings, etc., these connecting links come in a huge variety of styles, sizes, and fabrications. Bolt type anchor shackles are the most common in guy wire applications due to their longevity in permanent or long-term applications. These shackles are galvanized, featuring a zinc oxide coating for protection against rust and corrosion.
Turnbuckles
Turnbuckles are constructed from a long sleeve with internal screw threads that accept a variety of fittings, and are used to pull guy anchors closer together or push them apart by turning the turnbuckle body.
The most common turnbuckles used in guy wire applications are jaw & jaw turnbuckles and jaw & eye turnbuckles. Jaw & jaw turnbuckles are available in two types of stainless steel for wet or marine environments: stainless jaw & jaw turnbuckles and stainless forged jaw & jaw turnbuckles.
Thimbles
A wire rope thimble protects the eye or loop from wear and tear and keeps it from being crushed. Choose from either a light/regular standard duty fabrication or a heavy-duty style for increased strength. Both styles are available in a zinc-plated metal for use in regular environmental conditions, as well as in stainless steel for wet environments, such as for marine applications.
Resources
For more information on guy wire hardware, see our blog post "Why is it called a guy wire?".
Guy wire installation should be done only by experienced professionals. For information on installation, guy wire calculators, regulatory issues, safety topics, and more, contact a professional in your area or visit The National Association of Tower Erectors.
Questions?
Have questions about guy wire anchors? Need tower products you don't see here? Give our experienced product specialists a call - they'll be happy to help. They can even provide a custom quote!
