Strain Link Stick, 5 ft (1.5 m), 1.5 in (38 mm) dia.

STRAIN LINK STICK, 5'0", On deadend structures and running corners, a Strain Link Stick is used as insulation between rope blocks and a cuma-long clamp. Conductor loads on long spans and H-frame structures are sometimes greater than can effectively be handled with wire tongs. To supplement the wire tongs, a Strain Link Stick is attached to the conductor close to the wire tong. The Strain Link Stick is supported from above by rope blocks, which are operated in unison with the rope blocks attachedto the wire tong. Strain Link Sticks are also used to support the middle conductor on H-frame structures during insulator or crossarm changes. Hooks and ferrules are made of heat-treated aluminum alloy for the best ratio of high strength to light weight. Butt rings — for attaching rope blocks or hand lines — are forged of high quality steel. Butt swivel spins freely on ball thrust bearing. The edges of the jaws of Link Sticks are rounded to prevent scarring of conductors.