The Grip Book, 6th Edition

9Cables, slings, and hardware

When picking cable for a project, I usually use aircraft-rated cable. It is strong and flexible and works nicely for most jobs. Seven by nineteen (see later discussion) usually seems to work best. Use the fixture that allows you to accomplish the job safely. If you do not have a great deal of experience with cable, contact VER Sales in Burbank, California. They are as close to experts as anyone can be. I did a car spot for a Japanese manufacturer with a hot young actor. My crew had to fly a 60 ft. by 80 ft. frame with silk on it. We used aircraft cable locks, span sets, and a 70-ton crane with a spreader beam on it to distribute the weight. I tell this story because years ago, when I first started keying, my budget ...