I need to redo our balustrading. I'm planning on using 3.2mm 7x7 and swaging it myself. To do this I need the swaging tool and wire cutter.
Looking at the Whitworths catalogue, you can either get a swaging tool that does 2 or 3 gauges plus a cutter for $200 or a combined swager / cutter that does 5 gauges for around $250.
Does anyone have experience /opinion of the best (and worst) tool for the job? Is the combined tool a good approach?
Any swaging tips gratefully received.
Cheers
Bristol
Hi for the balustrade what type of posts are you using, do you plan on using the nicropress swage to form a loop around a thimble and a turnbuckle to tension or are you considering a more upmarket system, there are several out there that look really good.
Cheers Bob.
When I did my lifelines I hired the big swaging tool from Whitworths for a day/weekend. Was cheap. But not sure whether that is the same tool you're talkin about. Maybe call and ask your local shop.
what dr rog said...whitworths charge about 150 for the swage tool and refund the money when you return it
I have just ordered a set of 2 made up. The supplier will swag the terminus for me
Have u considered using dyneema?
diy
no expensive fittings
satisfaction!
Much cheaper and softer on body
Tips- Check carefully the quality of the s/s wire.
I replaced the safety lines on Trek 3 years ago. Some of the wire came from an Ebay online shop, some from Whitworths and some from the Stainless Steel shop next to Whitworths in Drummoyne.
Now, 3 years later some of the lengths are as good as they were the day we did the job, the others (I think from the cheap online shop) are rusty.
Also get some good bull nosed pliers and good cutters as well. This is so you can cut/trim the loose ends of wire out of the swage when each one is done. I found it was easier to put a big loop of wire around the thimble, pull it tight, then swage it, then cut off the stray end. That method was used after we found it was really hard to do the swage exactly in the right place and stay neat right at the end of the wire unless you have more arms than an octopus 
Select to expand quoteDrRog said..
When I did my lifelines I hired the big swaging tool from Whitworths for a day/weekend. Was cheap. But not sure whether that is the same tool you're talkin about. Maybe call and ask your local shop.
When I worked at Whitworths a swaging tool was available in store so you could do your own swages. It sits where all the swages. You do need to measure everything up beforehand of course. Select to expand quotescaramouche said..
Have u considered using dyneema?
diy
no expensive fittings
satisfaction!
Much cheaper and softer on body
+1
Select to expand quoteTrek said..
Tips- Check carefully the quality of the s/s wire.
I replaced the safety lines on Trek 3 years ago. Some of the wire came from an Ebay online shop, some from Whitworths and some from the Stainless Steel shop next to Whitworths in Drummoyne.
Now, 3 years later some of the lengths are as good as they were the day we did the job, the others (I think from the cheap online shop) are rusty.
The rusty one may be galvanised and not SS, and the seller didn't realise as it's hard to tell the difference sometimes.
Select to expand quoteStratussailor said..Trek said..
Tips- Check carefully the quality of the s/s wire.
I replaced the safety lines on Trek 3 years ago. Some of the wire came from an Ebay online shop, some from Whitworths and some from the Stainless Steel shop next to Whitworths in Drummoyne.
Now, 3 years later some of the lengths are as good as they were the day we did the job, the others (I think from the cheap online shop) are rusty.
The rusty one may be galvanised and not SS, and the seller didn't realise as it's hard to tell the difference sometimes.
Could be. Im pretty sure the good stuff came from either Whitworths and/or Mr Stainless next door to Whitworths.
Guys, are we talking life lines or balustrade at home. the approach may vary depending on the application.
Life lines on a boat Bob.
Thanks as ever for the terrific response. I've had a look at dyneema, but have elected for swaged ss wire with the swaging tool hire from Whitworths.
I was intrigued by the idea of carrying some 4mm dyneema for temporary standing rigging in an emergency. Much easier than ss in that situation. Has anyone tried this?
Cheers
Bristol
Select to expand quoteBristolfashion said..
Life lines on a boat Bob.
Thanks as ever for the terrific response. I've had a look at dyneema, but have elected for swaged ss wire with the swaging tool hire from Whitworths.
I was intrigued by the idea of carrying some 4mm dyneema for temporary standing rigging in an emergency. Much easier than ss in that situation. Has anyone tried this?
Cheers
Bristol
In that case disregard anything said by me and hire the hand swaging tool, the wire cutters and complete the job at hand. Bloody easy to do and saves a good amount of beer money to boot.
I have just replaced my stanchions and used 3 mm dyneema .
Too easy very happy with the result. 
Not sure but dont think dyneema lifelines pass the test for racing safeties ?
Lines installed - I hope she's not after me with that thing. Only a couple of hours and looks good.
Thank all
Bristol
