why strings break.

[A440A@AOL.COM]

JB writes:
>perhaps coil tighteners were used.  Is this
>> thought a possibility, and if so, could that account for breaking strings
>at
>> the coil, i.e., a too vigorous application of force on the tightener,
>which in
>> turn shows up as a broken string at the coil years later??

  Greetings, 
        Isn't there a point, on the outside of the coil at the last curvature
before the string departs in a straight line, where part of the wire is not
only under maximum stretch (outside circumference) and max tension (pitch and
friction), but also is flexed back and forth as we tune?  I had always thought
that the cumulative effects were what made that such a normal spot for
breakage.  A small, micro-crack means that there is less working diameter at
that point to withstand the strain, and there is a cumulative aspect to the
damage.  I still think the reason for the majority of false beats and string
breakage can be laid at the chipper's door.  It is not that hard to damage a
string without breaking it.   
Regards, 
Ed Foote