You can find the breaking strength vs. gauge of wire for copper in wire tables from the manufacturers.
You can also find in some catalogs what the safe tension in pounds is, and the weight should not exceed the working tension rating. A wire is going to assume a natural sag of a centenary, and as has been stated by Ron, you can pretty well tell when you have reached the safe point on tension in straight pull on the antenna wire. You can get gauges to measure exactly, but after some experience of breaking an antenna wire, you will know the right touch and when to stop without needing a gauge. 73, Stuart K5KVH _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
