Sagging tubing

[eustis22]

After this latest snowfall most of my 3/16 and 5/16 (especially the 5/16) tubing is sagging. Is this a result of too little tension on them or is it natural stretching? Will they tension back up again themselves or do I need to torque them back into straight?

[Sugarmaker]

Tight and down hill is the key to getting the most sap from your system. Develop a system to re-tension as needed. Yes the weather will affect the length of the lines. I tighten mine a couple time during the season.
Regards,
Chris

[Bill@mysticmaple]

I don't know about the 5/16 line, but the sag in the 3/16 shouldn't matter as long as it's off the ground and isn't susseptable to prolonged freezing and you have good elevation drop farther down the line. But in my experience, once it sags it really doesn't come back to tight without readjusting it.

[BAP]

I think you are referring to all the wet heavy snow sticking to the lines. It makes the lines heavy and stretches them some just like power and phone lines do when covered with snow. You may have to tighten them up some afterwards but they should straighten out after the snow melts off.

[johnpma]

Everything sags over time :) Tighten the 5/16" up the best you can. I use rope and the Chinese handcuff so I can just pull the tubing and slide the rope up the tubing

[eustis22]

is there a minimum length where the chinese handcuff effect kicks in?

[johnallin]

I have about 2' of tubing in the line before it exits. You may be able to use less, but this works great for me.

[johnpma]

is there a minimum length where the chinese handcuff effect kicks in? I'm using about a foot holds well

[BSD]

mine are about 10" and then i tape the end just for good measure since the poly rope was starting to come undone since i forgot to bring a torch into the woods with me today.

[Sugarmaker]

I don't use any rope or extra attachment devices, just good old 5/16 tubing and some well place fittings.
Regards,
Chris