Wire rope is used for many things but one of the most unusual ways it’s used is in high-wire walking. They generally use galvanized 7 x 19 inner wire rope core. They use galvanized cables because they have very little lubrication and won’t rust.
We know highwire walkers use wire rope, but how do they rig the cables? Learn how cables are attached for a person to walk across one!
How to Set up Wire Rope for High Wire Walking Across Buildings
There are a couple of different ways to attach wire rope for wire walking. Sometimes the cables are permanently attached, but using a screw-pin anchor circle is a more efficient way. A screw-pin anchor will be put over the cable and then slid into place. Nylon round slings are also used, and they are nylon loops that will be wrapped around whatever they have attached the cable to. Sometimes it is easier to attach the nylon loop to an elevator shaft because it’s solid concrete.
Where there are no moving parts on the cable, that is called the dead end and this is where the screw- pin anchor goes. Then, on the other end of the cable, a grip puller is used to pull the cable through. That will then attach to the dynamometer and attach to another round sling, for easy building-to-building application.
How Do You Get the Cable up Between Buildings?
The cable usually isn’t extremely heavy and can be pulled up manually. If you’re picking up 300 feet of cable, that’s equivalent to 260 pounds. A pulley block can be used to reduce the weight and there will be guys situated on the roof pulling up the cables.
Nik Wallenda
Nik Wallenda has 11 Guinness World Records and is the “King of the High Wire.” He has performed all over the world and was the first person to cross the Grand Canyon via a high wire. Nik has been doing this for 7 years and joined his family in the “Flying Wallendas.”
Some of the records he has are the steepest incline, highest blindfolded walk, longest tightrope crossed by a bicycle and the 4-person-high pyramid. One of the most important assets is the wire rope. Making sure the rope is securely fastened is crucial.
Nik aims to inspire people around the world to follow their dreams and to never give up.
Silver State Wire Rope and Rigging
It’s not every day that you see people using wire rope for high wire walking, but it is definitely cool to watch. High wire walking can be dangerous, so make sure you take safety precautions before trying. If you want to explore the world of high wire walking and are looking to invest in wire rope, learn more about our wire rope at Silver State Wire Rope and Rigging! If you’re ready to start your next adventure, so are we – give us a call!