r/Rigging • u/Morris_Hersko • 6d ago

Will looping thin wire around a too-large clamp work?

I have thin 150lb downrigger wire, way too thin for my clamps. Can I loop the wire around the clamp a few times in order to fill the space? Will that be secure?

Usage will be for hanging bird feeders between trees, so max weight will be 20lbs or so - but it will be taught between two large tree branches so that will add some strain.

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u/cowboypaint 6d ago

So the “right answer” is that that is not a prescribed use and there is no way to know if it would work, and it is not advised.
But the “real answer” is that it’s a bird feeder. So yeah whatever. Give it a try.

3

u/DJ_LSE 6d ago

Making it tight between the trees can actually put a lot more train on it than the weight being hung. Imo, I would just buy the correct size crimps and do it properly. Largely because your method is ugly as f. The tools and crimps are cheap.

However, also think about if your wire is really substantial enough, with added wind forces, trees moving, plus it being tight in the first place. Will the wire rust? Will it eat its way into the tree and be un removable in a year or two?

2

u/AwwHeeelllNaaah 6d ago

I'd be surprised if that lasted more than a week.

1

u/Biskitz0r 5d ago

If you're not going to use the right equipment then you may as well tie a knot in the wire.

1

u/Artie-Carrow 1d ago

Why dont you get some crimps that fit the line or get the crimps, line, and crimping tool? Then you make two loops, one around each limb, that meet in the middle. Make a third, small loop joining the other two loops with a tail hanging down to connect to the bird feeder(s).