Tangent Messenger Bracket
- Supports a messenger wire (cable TV, fiber, telecom) at a tangent pole — no line-angle change
- Standard 7/16, 1/2, 5/8 inch messenger sizes
- Hot-dip galvanized to ASTM A-123 (≥86 μm)
- Single through-bolt mounting, no field welding
Technical Specifications
| Catalog No. | Messenger Size | Working Load (lb) | Bolt | Weight (kg) | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAX-TMB-7 | 7/16 in (11 mm) | 800 | M12 | 0.8 | HDG |
| RAX-TMB-1 | 1/2 in (12.7 mm) | 1,200 | M12 | 1.0 | HDG |
| RAX-TMB-5 | 5/8 in (16 mm) | 2,000 | M16 | 1.4 | HDG |
Application & Installation
Where it is used
- Cable TV and fiber-optic messenger wire runs (the most common application)
- Telecom strand support along a roadway pole line
- Joint-use poles with separate messenger above the electric primary
- Span lengths of 100–200 ft typical for tangent pulls
- Aerial wireless backhaul fiber installations
Installation sequence
- Position the bracket at the messenger elevation per RUS or local utility spec (typ. 21 ft above grade for telecom).
- Through-bore the pole at 9/16 in (M12) or 11/16 in (M16) for the mounting bolt.
- Install the bracket with a square washer on the back side.
- Open the messenger clamp; slip the messenger wire into the saddle.
- Tighten the clamp until the messenger is held securely without slipping; do not over-torque.
- Verify the messenger has correct sag between adjacent poles (typ. 2-3% of span length).
Buyer’s Guide: Tangent Messenger Bracket
1. When Do You Need a Tangent Messenger Bracket?
A tangent messenger bracket supports a messenger wire on a pole where the line continues straight through — no significant horizontal turn. At a tangent pole, the bracket carries only the vertical weight of the messenger and any cables suspended below it. At a line-angle pole (any turn >5°) or at a dead-end, the bracket would carry horizontal pull as well, which quickly exceeds a tangent bracket’s rating — use a dead-end clevis or angle bracket at those positions instead.
Cable TV and fiber-optic strand are the dominant applications. Standard 5/8 inch (16 mm) extra-high-strength (EHS) galvanized messenger wire has a working tension of 2,000 lb, matching the RAX-TMB-5 rating. The 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) standard messenger is the most-ordered size for residential cable TV trunks; 7/16 inch covers light fiber-only installations. The 1 inch (M16) bolt on RAX-TMB-5 is sized for the higher torsion typical of heavier messenger spans.
2. How to Choose the Right Size
Pick by messenger wire diameter.
- RAX-TMB-7 — 7/16 inch messenger, light fiber-only runs
- RAX-TMB-1 — 1/2 inch messenger, standard cable TV (most-ordered)
- RAX-TMB-5 — 5/8 inch messenger, heavy trunks and joint-use
Custom messenger sizes (3/8 in for very light fiber, 3/4 in for heavy commercial) available with 5–7 day tooling, 200-piece minimum.
