modifying Trio Grandpa

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John Miller
Posts: 4866
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:11 pm
Location: St. Louis, MO

I'm about to modify two Trio Grandpas for a St. Louis area golf course. I want to replace the rope, which seems cottony to me and is worn. Any advice on what kind of rope? I've reworked a bunch of Pioneers, but not as familiar with this one.

John Miller
John Atteberry

Hello John,
I get the same rope from Nature Society News and works fine for 3-4 years! I was wondering if you think four natureline gourds would be too heavy to hang on the house? I have two on there now! Thanks John!
electraglideman
Posts: 71
Joined: Mon Nov 17, 2003 6:45 pm
Location: Arkadelphia, AR

John,
You can buy that rope at WalMart.
Guest

I have 4 Natureline gourds hanging from each of my 2 Trio houses with no problem.
Leverett Doehring/Mo
Posts: 95
Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2004 12:04 pm
Location: Villa Ridge, Mo
Martin Colony History: 1st birds 1990. 1 12 room metal house, colony started.
current 2 tr14s, 1 tr18, and 56 gourds, usually average @ 70 pair. 102 rooms available.
above mounted on 4 structures..

hi John
I would recommend a braided nylon rope rated for marine service, they are stronger than the twisted type and do not streach as much. Purchase at wallmart, 50' lengths, if you cut burn the end to fuse.
itsjustLEV
John Miller
Posts: 4866
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:11 pm
Location: St. Louis, MO

Thanks guys. John, -- I'm not familiar with Natureline. I know SGs are two pounds each and I'd be hesitant with four of those. This is a lightweight pole and okay with a lightweight house, maybe two gourds. I'll be hanging two naturals from two different houses.

Lev -- I'll get the nylon you suggested. This is for Hidden Valley Golf and Ski -- 20 minutes from you as a martin flies -- so send over your subs!

John Miller
Louise Chambers
Site Admin
Posts: 6208
Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2003 1:07 pm
Location: Corpus Christi, TX

I'll add a general note about types of rope. This text is from an article on poles and safety by Tim Shaheen, that was published in the Update last year. The entire article (pdf) is in the post near the top of the Forum, titled resources for the season.

[/b]
Rope: Polyester rope or nylon rope, or a combination of
the two, are the best choices for outdoor use. Both will last
up to 20 years. Polyester rope is the best choice and easy to
find. Nylon rope is not common; look for solid, braided 100%
nylon?it will be white in color. Nylon has more stretch than
polyester, so may require tightening due to stretching. Avoid
polypropylene rope, often mistakenly referred to as nylon rope.
It is usually yellow in color, and will last only two years when
used outdoors.

I just wanted to include the note about avoiding the (usually yellow) polypropylene rope which will not last long. And as Laverne always notes, check your ropes, cables, etc - make sure you and the martins are safe and ready to go for this season.

Louise :wink:
Nanette
Posts: 579
Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2006 7:07 pm
Location: Virginia/Woodbridge

Hi John and Kel,
I have two Trio's, a Castle and a Wade. I was told that it was necessary to reinforce the bottom before hanging any gourds. I found directions in the PMCA archives. Now that I think of it, the Nature House Inc. (people who manufacture the Trios) also recommended reinforcing the bottom. BTW, they also sell all kinds of spare parts for their houses.
Fledge on!
Nanette
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