What's the best way to attach

[+RCDispatchersx2]

What is the best way to attach a TB to it's host? Do I need to try and make it as permanent as poss or using the chain that comes with it ok?

 

Thanks in advance

 

RCDispatchersx2

[+BlueDeuce]

Funny you should ask, I just updated this (well updated as in corrected spelling and such).

 

How to use a metal cable (airplane cable) to attach a TB tag to traveler.

 

(Cable is handy when you can't get a key ring to work/fit)

 

I'm using a 1/16 gauge cable which seems plenty strong to me. About 26 cents per foot and the ferrules are about 54 cents each. I've been looking around for cheaper ferrules but I haven't found it. Maybe if I bought it in bulk but who needs 250 of these things to save a few pennies?

 

To crimp the ferrules you only need a good set of pliers but I recommend using at least a 10 inch lineman pliers (Craftsman of course) so you can apply a lot of force easily. You'll probably only want to crimp one side at a time and the lineman pliers are wide enough to get the whole side at once.

 

You want to cut the cable as 'clean' as possible so you don't have loose threads that can make it hard to stick through a small hole, (Plus those threads hurt when they stick you in the finger). The lineman pliers can do a good cut but I also like having a set of pincers on hand. You may have to undo some work and the pliers may be too big to do some careful cutting.

 

I like to start by crimping a ferrule on one end of the cable first and then stick several feet of cable through whatever I'm securing. You may only need two inches of cable, but do you want to hold two inches of metal cable in a circle, a set of pliers and crimp a ferrule all at the same time? (No, you don't.)

 

And be careful if you cut just the tip of the cable, it'll fall apart into tiny little wires. You don't want to step on those later so cut over a work tray or dinner plate.

 

Okay, so you have the ferrule on one end, stick the other end through the traveler, make sure you add on the tags and stuff before you close the loop. I'll then hold the ferrule in the pliers, pull the cable so it's the size circle I want, then an extra millimeter, cut the cable and pull it back inside the ferrule so nothing is sticking out, and crimp. If the end of the cable sticks out a little bit, file it down so it won't cut anyone.

 

 

Edited February 22, 2007 by BlueDeuce

[+RCDispatchersx2]

Thanks, I think we will have to go with what we have used so far and take our chances.

[+AuntieWeasel]

I like keyrings, myself. But the chain it comes with works fine. It's usually better to shorten it a little, though. They snap quite easily at the junctures.

[CacheNCarryMA]

I use color coordinated plastic zip ties, and then created All the Extra Chain travel bug with the unused chain.

[+joefrog]

Well, it depends on the target. If it's a hamster or parakeet, I've found that a staplegun works pretty well. once you get the first shot in, the rest go pretty quick! For frogs and fish, a zip tie works best.

[+radsem]

RCDispatchersx2

 

 

 

Ones i have seen with the original ball cord is people have soldered, done nothing or pressed the connector together and that is the way i have done it.

 

Radsem

[+Mr. 0]

Depending on the item to which I'm attaching the TB tag, I will sometimes use a small handheld riveter to keep the TB tag in place. You can pick one of those up, which usually include a few rivets of various sizes for about $15-$20 at home improvement type stores, or sometimes cheaper if you have a discount tool type store nearby.

[The Justice League of NM]

I say the chain works fine most of the time. Like the other cacher said, I usually shorten it. Plus, I put ALL my TBs in ziplock bags, I think that helps with longivety.

[+ZagtasticFour]

kyptonite encased 1/2" gauge steel wire, double knot with gorilla glue. all encased in bullet proof glass with large letters saying do not touch attached to rabid rottweiler.

 

will someone please move my bug?

 

or i just use a tie wrap.