cables?

We normally use string lines, but were in a bind the other day and had a chance to purchase cable. Now I know you guys generally use the 1/8 or 1/16" without coating, but we had to purchase it with from the local Home Depot. My question is how do you pull it straight and taught over humps and dips and keep it from curving or hooking?? We had a job where the string was 8" above the pavement, and the wind started to blow a little. The lines weren't too bad but we didn't want to take a chance so we got the cables. They cost us too much time so we had to abandon them after the first pull. Was it because they were coated, or too big in diameter, what are some of you guys input...

Weed eater string!....Cheap...strong....stretches taut....catches less air.... Not good for big dips/valleys. Cables are dangerous.

You have to use a specific cable with a specific number of strands and wrap that will lie down naturally. Some cables with fewer strands develop memory and won't lay down. I can look up the strand numbers if you want to try the real deal. And uncoated is the way to go. String is a good all round layout tool, but wind affects it. Cable will stay in place and like string, can be used to "pull" a radius on long curves. Some people using baling twine, chain, and even string trimmer line. As far as danger, well I can show you my scar where some teensy tiny fishing line cut me near to the bone...I think any type of "line" when suddenly attached to a car (or fish!) moving at 30 miles per hour has the potential to cause severe damage to nearby humans...before it finally breaks.

http://www.mcmaster.com/ Do a search for wire rope, cable etc. Then find a 1/8" or smaller cable that is very high strand. (9x19 comes to mind). It needs to be uncoated but does not need to be stainless. Order it in a continuous length of 300' or more (you must specify continuous length or you might get the total length in a couple of pieces).

we use tomato string and with new pavement 4 inch concrete nails. Where there is a valley just add another nail. On older pavement use 3 to 2 inch nails. The string we get is about a mile in box for $5.00. nails can be used over again. A lot cheaper and straighter than chalk.. just my one cents worth...

I gave up on the nails. Kept shooting off to the side. Concrete too hard.

stripes use duck tape on cement...........