Fig 9's on Tarp ridgeline

**ikemouser** · 09-27-2009, 17:48

Hey everybody, i got some small metal fig 9's yesterday. Now when i setup my tarp here is the process:

1. Take out ridgeline
2. Wrap JRB tiny biner around tree and clip onto tarp ridgeline
3. Walk over to other side wrap around tree, tighten, then secure to fig 9]
4. Attach tarp to prussics on front and back of tarp with toggles
5. tie out guylines

my issue is this: Is it ok to use speer no tangle with the small metal fig 9's? or should i not because of abrasion. My thinkin is the abrasion is not going to be in the same place everytime as trees are not the same distance apart. Or do i need a bigger/heavier tarp ridgeline?

**JerryW** · 09-27-2009, 18:09

Originally Posted by ikemouser

Is it ok to use speer no tangle with the small metal fig 9's? or should i not because of abrasion. My thinkin is the abrasion is not going to be in the same place everytime as trees are not the same distance apart.

I'd agree that it won't be in the same place often enough. Even if you had to replace the line every few years, I think that's acceptable.

BTW - you might want to put a slippery half hitch on the Figure 9 after you're set up. I had mine let loose once.

Jerry

**ikemouser** · 09-27-2009, 18:21

Thanks for the response jerry, will do. It took me about 15 min to figure out how to hookup the fig 9, i had it on backwards!

Just curious, do you guys leave your fig 9's attached to the tarp ridgeline or do you take them off each time you setup?

In my case my tarp ridgeline is just wrapped up and wadded in my pocket when im done with it, i dont attach it to the tarp permanently. I just put it up when ever i get to camp, then attach my tarp to it.

**JerryW** · 09-27-2009, 18:24

I leave mine on all the time. Then I always know where they are.

And I'm a bit lazy, too.

Jerry

**ikemouser** · 09-27-2009, 18:25

cool, i'll leave mine on too.

**deadeye** · 09-27-2009, 19:02

Originally Posted by ikemouser

my issue is this: Is it ok to use speer no tangle with the small metal fig 9's? or should i not because of abrasion. My thinkin is the abrasion is not going to be in the same place everytime as trees are not the same distance apart. Or do i need a bigger/heavier tarp ridgeline?

I use the speer no tangle line and figure 9's, no problems yet. I leave the 9's attached to the ridgeline, and try to move them around a bit each time I set up. I figure if I do manage to wear through the line some day, I can easily switch out the ridgeline with one of the lesser-used lines. (I have a speer winter tarp, and the 'beaks' are usually rolled up unused, so I have at least 4 other guy lines that are essentially unused and ready to go). the figure 9's make for a very quick and taut ridgeline setup.

I also use the slippery half hitch for security.

**gunn parker** · 09-27-2009, 19:08

I'm having trouble picturing what you are doing with yours but this is what I do.

The ridgline cord is tied to the tarp and the figure 9 is left on the cord near the tarp. When I get to camp I take the end of the cord around the tree, back to the figure 9 and pull tight. then back it up with a slippery half hitch.

easy peasy

**Doctari** · 09-27-2009, 19:20

Mine gets set up almost every night, usually from the same two trees, no signs of wear at all on the "No tangle line" after 9 months of use.

My ridgeline figure 9s are permanently attached, in fact are sewn on and the line is tied in place for quick attachment. My biner is a bit sturdier then the JRB mini, with both being rated to 50 Lbs, I suspect the JRB's wouldn't hold up quite as well, & the JRB's gate spring isn't meant for the repeated use that a tarp ridgeline would require, YMMV.

**TeeDee** · 09-27-2009, 19:22

I finally decided that the Figure 9s abrade the guy line no more or less than knots.

Everything used to secure a rope, knot, Figure 9, cleat, etc., works because of friction. It takes a certain amount of friction to secure the rope. That is true whether you are using a Figure 9, a knot, a cleat or whatever.

The friction abrades the rope and will be there irregardless.

I have seen knots abrade rope. I have seen Figure 9s abrade rope. I have seen cleats abrade rope.

If you are securing the rope, it will eventually abrade and need to be replaced.

Also, what you said about it being in different places along the rope minimizes the abrasion.

**Kankujoe** · 09-27-2009, 19:53

I have been using a black hard plastic version of Nite Ize figure 9s, they are packaged with reflective nylon cord. They have been working great for my guidelines & my ridgeline. However I have decided to take the figure 9s off each time I pack up my tarp as the hook & bite end of the figure 9s tend to tangle up my lines when I unpack my tarp. I would prefer to leave them on but it is faster to put them on each time than it is to untangle their hooking of my lines. The lines themselves don't get tangled but the hook & bites grab the coiled or wrapped lines.

If you can show me a better way I'd sure be interested.