Realized my tag lines were way too tight after a job last Friday

I used to always keep them drum-tight thinking it was safer, but after a gust caught the load and nearly tipped me, I slackened them by about 6 inches and now the crane feels way more stable. Has anyone else found that looser lines actually handle wind better?

2 comments

2 Comments

sean_park82d ago

...and yeah, that's actually a common thing people get wrong about tag lines. I think the issue is that when they're too tight, they actually transmit the gusts directly into the load instead of letting it sway a little. I've found that leaving maybe 4-6 inches of slack (depending on the height) lets the line absorb some of that energy so the crane stays steadier. Just be careful not to go too loose or you lose control entirely.

harperwright2d ago

1st time I had a load start swinging in a crosswind I learned that lesson real quick. Took me way too long to realize I was making it worse by holding the tag line like a steel rod. @sean_park8 is spot on with that 4-6 inch rule - I usually eyeball it by letting the line droop just enough that it hangs in a gentle curve when the load is still. That sweet spot where you can feel the wind hit without it jerking your arms off is key.