Abstract: A system for tensioning and locking a safety strand to a plurality of sequentially arranged stanchions is provided. Each stanchion has a stanchion cross section and a passage bore adapted for slidable passage of the safety strand therethrough. The system comprises tensioning means for applying a tensile force to a first end of the safety strand when the safety strand is disposed through the passage bore of each of the sequentially arranged stanchions and a second end of the safety strand is secured to an immovable object. The system further comprises a plurality of locking mechanisms.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a first twisting device that dispenses a first wire and imparts a twist to the same, a second twisting device that receives the twisted first wire and twists the same about a second wire, and a metering device or capstan positioned on the outside of the second twisting device that controls the input velocity of the first and second wires. The apparatus can further include a third twisting device that dispenses a second wire and imparts a twist to the same. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second wires are back-twisted and the second twisting device receives the first and second back-twisted wires and twins or pairs the same. A tension transducer is also provided which measures the tension of the wires before they enter the second twisting device.