"Anti-Twist Swivels" are critical accessories that serve as a crucial interface between the pulling rope and the cable, specifically designed to protect delicate and valuable cables:

• Eliminating Torsional Stress: Their primary function is to prevent any twisting forces from being transferred from the pulling rope to the cable or conductor. Pulling ropes can naturally twist under tension, and without a Swivel, this twisting would be directly transmitted to the cable.

  • For OPGW: This is paramount. The internal optical fibers of OPGW are extremely sensitive to twisting and can be permanently damaged (leading to signal loss) if torsional forces are applied. The swivel allows the rope to rotate freely while the OPGW remains untwisted.

  • For Large Power Cables: Twisting can cause internal conductor deformation, stress on the insulation, or damage to the outer jacket, potentially leading to premature failure. Swivels ensure the cable retains its original structure.

  • For Bundled Conductors: They prevent individual conductors within a bundle from spiraling or birdcaging during overhead stringing.

• Smooth Passage: High-quality swivels are designed to be compact and have smooth, streamlined profiles, allowing them to pass easily through OHTLstringingequipment.com/Stringing-Blocks--Sheaves.html target='_blank'>Stringing Blocks, rollers, and conduit entries without snagging.

Maintenance Requirements:

• Pre-Use Inspection: Before every use, visually inspect the swivel for any signs of damage: cracks, bends, distortion, excessive wear on the eyes, or signs of rust/corrosion.

• Functionality Check: Manually rotate the swivel to ensure it turns freely and smoothly through 360 degrees without binding, grinding, or excessive play. Any stiffness indicates a problem.

• Lubrication (if applicable): While many modern swivels feature sealed, maintenance-free bearings, some heavy-duty models may have grease fittings. If present, lubricate strictly according to the manufacturer's recommendations using the specified type of grease.

• Load Rating Verification: Always confirm that the swivel's Working Load Limit (WLL) is clearly legible and adequate for the maximum anticipated pulling force of the job.

• Cleaning: Keep the swivel clean from dirt, debris, and contaminants that could interfere with its rotational mechanism.

• Immediate Removal from Service: Any swivel showing signs of damage, restricted rotation, or suspected compromise to its integrity must be immediately removed from service, tagged, and either repaired by a qualified professional or replaced. Never use a damaged or malfunctioning swivel.