(ET) Cable for snow thrower chute directional control

[Darryl McMahon <darryl econogics com>]

Our first snow has arrived, and the E12 with plow is ready for service. 
Unfortunately, as I was testing the E15 with 42" snow thrower, the wire 
cable for controlling the chute direction broke.  I have gone through 
this exercise too many times, and getting the winding on the tube right 
always seems to escape me.

So, 2 questions:

1) What is the preferred material for the cable?  I have not yet tried 
the coated clothesline route - I expect the coating will fail in the 
deep cold of winter here.  Rope frays (but it's what I have handy when 
it's cold and dark.

2) Is there a simple trick to getting the winding on the tube right?  Is 
3 turns on each side of the center hole sufficient?  (assumes chute is 
centered for installation)

Thanks for any guidance.

--
Darryl McMahon
Freelance Project Manager (sustainable systems)

Do not mistake patience for weakness, nor action for strategy.