welding a wire to a turnbuckle?

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hi all,im just getting into welding so please pardon me if this is a dumb question. i want to use a turnbuckle to tension a stranded steel wire. rather than using the normal approach, creating a loop on the end of the wire using a metallic sleeve that is crimped over the wire, would it be possible to just but-weld the end of the wire to the end of the turnbuckle?
Reply:I wouldn't try it. I've always used these drop wire clamps. Attached Images Ranger 8 3200HD 225 Cracker Box
Reply:You might want to consider using sailing rigging parts rather than welding.Check out: http://www.riggingonly.com/Norsemanm...alterminal.htmRex
Reply:I tried to tig weld some stainless wire rope once and it was an absolute no-go.  The strands were popping immediately and there is no way to weld the inner ones with my welding ability.  I was successful brazing it though.  I used some silver solder and brazed it with no problem.  My application was splicing a motorcycle clutch cable using a steel outer coupler grond down to just over the wire rope size.  It was meant to be a temp fix until the new cable arrived, but I am curious to see how long it can last.  Keep in mind that wire rope is not meant to be heated up like that so don't do it if it has to support anything important.  If it is a critical load, definitely use clamps or crimped fittings.Rene
Reply:I would think that it's inadvisable to do such a thing.  But I may be wrongSteel cable is stranded, and derives its strength from the combined strength of each strand.Simply welding around the perimeter of the cable would not truly attach the inner strands to the winch or whatever.  Only the strands within the weld zone would be attached.Welding the very end of the cable with all strands within the weld zone would seem to be a better idea, but I think that the heat from the weld would damage the composition of the strands, and make them very brittle.  So I think that idea's out too.All in all, I vote no"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by zerepenerI tried to tig weld some stainless wire rope once and it was an absolute no-go.  The strands were popping immediately and there is no way to weld the inner ones with my welding ability.  I was successful brazing it though.  I used some silver solder and brazed it with no problem.  My application was splicing a motorcycle clutch cable using a steel outer coupler grond down to just over the wire rope size.  It was meant to be a temp fix until the new cable arrived, but I am curious to see how long it can last.  Keep in mind that wire rope is not meant to be heated up like that so don't do it if it has to support anything important.  If it is a critical load, definitely use clamps or crimped fittings.Rene
Reply:As said, the answer is NO to welding a steel cable.  Loop the cable around the correct thimble and then use the correct wire-rope/cable clamps or crimp-on sleeves.Or use the appropriate fancy-schmancy (expensive) sailing/rigging hardware, as mentioned above.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:"so don't do it if it has to support anything important"like... my body weight? 20 feet up in the air?  seriously, thanks for all the answers. i had a hunch it was a Bad Idea since i have never seen it done anywhere. the explanations to why it doesnt work well makes perfect sense. I guess I'll have to stick with the good-ole crimp on sleeves. the sailing stuff is real nice but way to expensive for my budget.
Reply:... and iffin' ya need to cut the Cable to length - heat it up at the location where you need to cut it.A little Mapp torch will doEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Do not do this under any circumstances. spend the few bucks and buy the correct size crosby clip(wire rope clip) for the wire you are using. Be sure to saddle them correctly as well. Those wires are not intended to be welded.'Mike
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammDo you think you had success because the solder liquified, and was able to flow somewhat into the strands on the inner part of the cable too?
Reply:Must be one very specialized thing to do.Weldor required to personally test the job"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...ght=turnbuckleI also have another thread on a "cable rail".  I brazed the ends on those,too.Just completed another cable rail last week.  I had those cables fabricated by a local sling manufacturer.  There are a wide variety of clean looking pressed on connectors.Last edited by tapwelder; 02-11-2009 at 12:46 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by d94jonca"so don't do it if it has to support anything important"like... my body weight? 20 feet up in the air?  seriously, thanks for all the answers. i had a hunch it was a Bad Idea since i have never seen it done anywhere. the explanations to why it doesnt work well makes perfect sense. I guess I'll have to stick with the good-ole crimp on sleeves. the sailing stuff is real nice but way to expensive for my budget.
Reply:No, it will fail.  Use the cable clamps and sheeves.
Reply:Originally Posted by ironman715Do not do this under any circumstances. spend the few bucks and buy the correct size crosby clip(wire rope clip) for the wire you are using. Be sure to saddle them correctly as well. Those wires are not intended to be welded.'Mike
Reply:Even if it could be welded how would you adjust it. A turn buckle relies on having 1 end threaded r/h and the other end has left hand threads. I guess you could hook it to some sort of swivel but if you don't have a l/h and a r/h thread you take away the part of a turn buckle that makes it a turn buckle.Tough as nails and damn near as smart
Reply:"Even if it could be welded how would you adjust it. A turn buckle relies on having 1 end threaded r/h and the other end has left hand thread"i guess i didnt word my question clear enough. i meant to weld it to one of the ends, not to the turning handle itself. that said, the responses i got to this thread has convinced me not even trying it
Reply:Once again, it would have been helpful if you furnished a few more details, such as type and size cable, the application it's for and perhaps what you're willing to spend in both time and money. We neeed a reminder somewhere to that effect, IMO. When typing a question, it's too easy to forget to put in everything.A number of other(?) different methods exist for terminating cable ends: 1.) The end can be put through a fitting, the strands splayed out, and zinc poured into the open fitting end.2.) Special fittings with collars which tighten onto the cable end, which are used in industry. These may be the same as the marine equipment mentioned above.3.) Jury-rigged versions of the above which would only be safe for some applications so not described here.Just out of curiosity, is this for tree work, rock climbing, some type of new ride or sport, a restraint while doing construction work on the sides of bridges or buildings???Regarding turnbuckles, as stated above, most turnbuckles have three parts, right hand threads on one end and left on the other.