you will bend the screwdrivers. you will not get enough tension using the screwdrivers. the screwdrivers are not a safe tool for this job.
re. rod as cable. Score another duh! for the boy - I really should have figured that one out, huh?
As to the screwdrivers - I got the HD version of 1/2" rod - I got it through 5 turns today (it is starting to flex under the load) - the reason I stopped after one turn with the screwdrivers:
- they aren’t the best tools (as mentioned, only one would completely bottom)
- I didn’t want to risk damaging them.
As it is, I’m guessing the (real, grown-up) screwdrivers are stronger then the HD rods - if I were going to make a habit of winding these things, I’d go to a real metals store for the rod stock. On the plus side, the HD rods were too long (interfered with the framing) and had to be cut down. The cheap-ass stuff did cut easily…
I’m guessing, given the loading achieved wih 5 turns, that another 3 or 4 will be required. Will spend tomorrow in bed, recuperating my shoulders before continuing.
In case you’re worried.
Got it wound, it opened and closed much more eeasily than it did before I started messing with it.
But, hey, there’s still a chance I can get it to kill myself.
Now for a hor shower and a long rest…
That hor shower sounds kind of nice.
Golden, even.