So, we have a bunch of gun nuts and nerds that read this
I was out today trying to mark a property line using some string. I had one pin on one end and another on the other. Running the string proved difficult due to trees, slopes, brush and all manner of other things in the way. So, I had an idea! A string gun! Put in a roll of string (this style), attach the string to the gun and launch the roll. Any idea the best way to do that?
January 2nd, 2013 at 8:42 pm
Sounds like a stunt from The Wild, Wild West if you ask me. Use your sleeve derringer!
January 2nd, 2013 at 8:48 pm
This has been done a lot for pulling antenna’s for HAM radio. Here’s one of the guns I’ve seen.
You could easily modify it for that type of string, or just put that on the fishing reel and you’re set.
January 2nd, 2013 at 8:48 pm
When I was in the Navy on aircraft carriers, they used an M-14 to lauch a line over to a supply ship for underway replenishment.
Like this:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_050603-N-9551Z-028_Aviation_Ordnanceman_Airman_Brent_Earl_prepares_to_shoot_M-14_rifle_with_a_MK-87_line_kit_attachment_during_a_replenishment_at_sea_(RAS)_with_the_Military_Sealift_Command_(MSC)_underway_replenishment_.jpg
January 2nd, 2013 at 8:51 pm
@Chas, you could probably modify the AR-15 golf ball launcher and create a slug with the string attached.
Then you’d just need a pile of blanks.
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:00 pm
Sure, firearms are good — but a slingshot might work pretty well, too. I use something like this to launch a tied weight into high trees:
http://www.radiowavz.com/html/hyper_hanger.html but with a nylon mason’s line because that’s what I had laying around in the garage.
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:01 pm
We use a bow and training arrow to pull cable over uneven ground. If we have to do it in suspended ceilings, we use an old fashioned little kid’s bow and arrow (remember the old rubber tipped arros) with string attached. Then pull cable with the string.
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:06 pm
Barron beat me to it. Use the AR golf ball launcher. Piss of some antis while doing your job 🙂
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:13 pm
We used a crossbow with a string reel on it to run coax back in the day… I believe that they actually make them now for sale.
Yup…
http://www.cableorganizer.com/laserline/
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:13 pm
…Or you could use the “old-fashioned” version of that M-14, the “Lyle” line-throwing gun: http://www.hawills.com/lineguns.html
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:21 pm
The Crossbow/fishing line reel combo was my first thought. Maybe aim about 25% higher to compensate for the string weight.
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:41 pm
Unfortunately marking a property line means making a clear line with a chainsaw and machete, or a MICLIC.
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:44 pm
For prop lines I use a laser.
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:54 pm
Clearly, the *best* way is a trebuchet.
The other suggestions are probably more practical, though.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:22 pm
This might do it for you or some modification thereof.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:23 pm
Sounds like an assault weapon to me.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:30 pm
Richard, yup- assault weapon.
J T’s link DOES go “bbbbbrrrrrppp”
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:43 pm
“Clearly, the *best* way is a trebuchet.”
Damn you.
Ok, how about Trebuchet + monomolecular wire!
That’ll take care of the shrubbery problem as well.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:53 pm
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/ARR-225
🙂
January 3rd, 2013 at 12:01 am
And this is why I come to this website.
Every once in a while, well, pretty regularly actually, a whole ‘nother dimension is opened to my gazing eyes, a dimension I had never even imagined existed until it gets laid out before me.
January 3rd, 2013 at 12:54 am
What about one of those stupidly powerful lasers, the ones that pop balloons? Couldn’t you just burn a line into the vegetation?
January 3rd, 2013 at 1:49 am
potato gun sized for tennis ball. use a large needle to poke the line through the ball.
January 3rd, 2013 at 5:08 am
JT beat me to it: the Lyle gun.
January 3rd, 2013 at 8:01 am
M-14?! In the *real* Navy, that would have been a Lee-Enfield. 6mm. When ready, Gridley.
A higher-power laser works here on several levels. One, you could (if you were “so inclined”) eliminate the string thing altogether [eliminate the string thing]. Or, you could aim that thrower real good. Another few watts and the brush is no longer a problem.
It’s going to be fun when we get to the lime and chalk. That’s the part I’d like to watch, provided I’m standing behind you.
January 3rd, 2013 at 8:11 am
I find it horribly ironic that the paintball gun that JY’s link looks to be pattern after is a Brass Eagle product (Brass Eagle is owned by the same company as the goggle maker JT).
I bet with $50 and a bit of thought you could make your one from a much more reliable paint delivery system.
January 3rd, 2013 at 10:02 am
Here is the one you want.
http://www.cabelas.com/miscellaneous-h-r-bridger-line-throwing-gun-shoots-45-70-blanks-1.shtml
January 3rd, 2013 at 10:43 am
The Cabelas Bridger is impressive but nothing quite has the style of a good ole harpoon gun.
http://www.thehulltruth.com/fishing-miscellaneous-items/315828-price-reduced-buy-christmas-38-caliber-navy-arms-harpoon-gun.html
January 3rd, 2013 at 10:53 am
if you use the MICLIC let me know. I want to watch. At a respectable distance.
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:12 am
I’m sure something from Cat would do the job nicely… 🙂
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:16 am
The MICLIC is a bit overkill, but I bet a reel of detcord for the first shot would help greatly in clearing a way for a good line.
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:31 am
Wrist rocket for tennis balls:
http://www.amazon.com/Easton-A162927-Hyperlaunch-Ball-Thrower/dp/B000HDKX3E/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1357226790&sr=8-8&keywords=dog+training+launcher
Retriever training dummy launcher (uses .22 blanks, like a nail gun):
http://www.amazon.com/D-T-Systems-Super-Pro-Training-Launcher/dp/B003UMA8OS/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1357226745&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=dog+training+launcher
These aren;t even teh cheaperst options for each, just teh first ones I hit on Amazon.
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:32 am
“cheaperest”? Sheesh. . . {slunk}
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:39 am
Mossberg line launcher:
http://www.mossberg.com/manuals/LineLauncher.pdf
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:55 am
Or Lee Enfield with the cup grenade launcher. A tennis ball just fits. Use that for your line throwing.