Mousing cables through mast conduit

[malcp]

I have to pull a new sensor cable through the mast internal conduit. It is a new cable not a replacement. I'd rather not pull an existing cable out (& remove it's connector first) and use this as a mouse if I can avoid it.

The mast is down currently and I am looking for any tips about mousing the new cable down the conduit, assuming there is not already a mouse line in place which I'm sure there isn't.

I have found a 10m GRP cable puller in Screwfix for £45, which is not long enough (mast is about 15m) and rather too much money for single use.

Any ideas gratefully received.

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[tony_brighton]

How big is the hole?

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[oldsaltoz]

Congratulations malpc, you have the thinnest profile I have ever seen, no details at all........

The last time I was faced with this problem I used a length of fencing wire with a tight closed loop on the end to make sure it would not cut any cable insulation, secured a mouse line and the new cable, pulled both thru' and left the mouse for next time.

Hope this helps.

Andavagoodweekend...



<hr width=100% size=1> Old Salt Oz /forums/images/icons/cool.gif Growing old is unavoidable. However, growing up is still optional.

 

[Allan]

I have done this a number of times and the most important tool you need is patience! I have used solid copper wire with PVC insulation and 2.5mm 3 strand copper. I also managed to get a 3 core flex down a Centeur mast without putting anything down first. If you push gently and when you feel an obstruction pull back a little and roll the mast, it may then go through. If you measure the wire as it goes in you can go to the position on the mast where the blockage is and try banging it on the underside (with something very soft!) while someone else gently feeds the wire in. Expect it to take 3-4 hours. If it goes straight through, as they sometimes do, you can go to the pub!
ALLAN

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[DanTribe]

I have seen this dodge suggested, but never tried it myself.
Tie a "crumb" of polystyrene to sewing cotton & blow it through with a vacuum cleaner, then use the cotton to pull a stronger line through.
It may not work but worth a try.
Dan

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[Guest]

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[malcp]

Many thanks one and all. I'll give these ideas a go.

Someone at work suggested a length of nylon cord (suitably thin) stretched between 2 objects (distance longer than the mast), soak with resin and use when cured. I think the fence wire sounds easier!

oldsaltoz, I'll update my profile for you, just a bit anyway!

Thanks

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[tross]

If you look in the electrical section of Screwfix you will find proper mousing tools. One suggestion that I used last week pulling cables through the bilges and other sections last week, was to pull an existing cable out with a mousing line attached then pull it back with two mousing lines attached. This then allows you to pull the new cable through and leave a line in the path for next time.



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[AndrewB]

My technique is to tie sail thread (light but strong) onto the eye of the largest sized galvanised shackle pin that will slide comfortably through. (A mild steel bolt with the head cut off and a hole drilled in one end is an alternative).

Done with the mast up gives the maximum help from gravity. If the shackle pin gets stuck, you can hear where it has reached, a bit of help with a strong magnet on the outside will usually draw it down. This technique also works with the mast down, but requires patience. Resting the mast at an angle is better than level.

Sail thread is normally strong enough to carry a rope or wire back up, but replace it with whipping twine if in doubt.

 

[EdEssery]

Don\'t blow - suck

I have successfully used the vacuum method to get a power cable into a pulpit with a number of tight turns in it.

Seal all the holes in the mast with insulating tape except where you are going to feed in the cotton and where you are going to attach the vacuum cleaner pipe - I used insulating tape for this to. Measure out a length of fine sewing cotton and introduce it into the mast and gradually feed it in. When the measured length has "disappeared" into the mast disconnect the vacuum cleaner and use the cotton to gently pull through your mousing cord...

Good luck...

Ed

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[JamesS]

You can buy a stiff nylon drawtape from B&Q for about £6 -£7. I've just used one and it beats coat hangers and stiff wire hands down.

As you've got the mast down, one method I've used in the past is to use one of the existing cables to pull in a couple of draw wires - one to pull the existing cable back and the other to pull in the new cable.

Pull in three draw wires and you've got one for next time!

Cheers

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[seaesta]

Fence wire has worked for me a few times and has only taken 20 miniutes rather than hours of fiddling and footling as described earlier. The thicker (4mm approx) seems to be best as it is quite rigid but you may need to drill a small hole in the top or bottm of the mast to feed it in and be prepared to "catch" either end of the draw line you feed in so that you cable can use the existing holes on the conduit.
Dont forget to stop the cable rattling in the conduit by fitting lots of cable ties as internal "fenders" . Wire is very reasonably priced from an agricultural supplier or you can womble it. If you are in a warm country then the wire used for supporting vines is equally good.
Martin

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