1mm monofilament line...how long does it last outdoors

[VK3LU]

Does anyone have any experience with the above re its life in the sun?
I would like to use it to guy a fibreglass mast so that the guys are almost invisible.

73
Nev

[VK5ZD]

Given that it doesn't cost much you could just replace it whenever it starts to degrade.

[VK5TM]

Given that it's likely Nylon, it will expand and contract with the changing temperature and not likely to last very long in strong sunlight, not to mention being "invisible" it will be a hazard to birds, so apart from what it will do to them, you could be constantly replacing/re-tightening the guys.

[VK3LU]

Just as I suspected. Not really suitable.
I think the rule of thumb that if it's not black, it won't last applies.

Thanks all

Nev

[VK2XAX]

You want VB cord.

I've used it for guy ropes for years. UV stable, length stable, high breaking strain.

You can find it at a number of places but marine suppliers are best, e.g.

https://wettechrigging.com.au/shop/ols/p...vb-3-black

https://www.marinewarehouse.com.au/vb-cords

and others. Google is your friend here.

Breaking strain is often dependent on the manufacture/supplier so check the specs first before purchase

cheers
Tim

[VK3LU]

Thanks Tim
I am onto some 1 or 2mm kevlar which should suffice. Oh, and it's black!

Nev

[VK2XTC]

I use a light weight rope from a Ship Chandler.

It's been up in the sun for over 15 years and still going strong.

try Whitworths , they have an online store.

It was actually cheaper by the 50m roll than the cheap stuff from Bunnings. And is designed to last in the weather.



Brian

[VK1JA]

Hi Nev,

I've used both 1.5mm and 2mm mono before to guy a 6BTV on the roof of our house. You're correct that the visual impact is very low, and at certain angles you can't see the mono at all.

I used large snap swivels at the ends of the mono to allow an easy way to disconnect the mono from the brackets to tilt the antenna over to tuning/inspection. And at all ends I used purpose made springs (about two inches long) over any mono that needs to be connected with anything else - the spring protects the mono from abrasions. And I also used the purpose made aluminium crimps for the mono.

I regulary checked the mono every 6 months and I was quite happy how it held up. After 6 years in the sun all lengths/joints were very strong - I couldn't break it with all my weight!

One thing I found particularly interesting - I've used dacron/paracord/insert other UV stable rope name here, and all suffered at the fate of either cockatoos or possums nibbling their way through the ends that they could reach. It was like they were attracted to the rope/guys. At least every 3 months I'd have to fix an end that they had chewed through. But they don't touch the mono, not once have I had to repair an end due to cockatoos or possums. I can't explain why they go for the rope/dacron and not the mono, but it's like they don't even see it!

Good luck

Jayson
VK1JA

[VK3LU]

Jayson,
Can you tell me the brand of the mono you used? It seems to be very durable.
That sounds interesting regarding the anti cocky properties of the mono! Maybe they can't see it or perhaps it tastes crap?
Thanking you in advance,

Nev

[VK1JA]

Hi Nev,

Sorry for the late reply.

My first purchase of mono was from BCF many years ago, but they don't seem to sell it anymore!

The second, most recent purchase was from eBay, links are below;
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/234428518195
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/363719950270
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/234580937437

Yes, very intersting about the cockatoos!!