Well thanks everyone. I did consider shock cord, and still might, but I got a handful of UN-USED/expired latex urinary catheters at work. And since I don't have an UQ I can't hang anyway and this gives me something to toy with. I had to tell my source I wasn't doing anything kinky with them. I don't think she believed me.
The gene pool needs a life guard.
Some people have experienced loss of elasticity w/latex tubing @ low temps...Opie did some testing, and concluded silicone tubing is a better choice.
Now you can deal with that source, again. Have fun!
Dave
"Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self."~~~May Sarton
If you are going to be out in sub freezing temps, avoid latex tubing.
Otherwise, the latex tubing is perfect. I've switched entirely to silicone tubing just to keep it simple.
Not only is latex much more vulnerable to temperature (high and low), but also to chemicals, oil, UV (sunlight) and ozone.Originally Posted by opie
As I understand it, silicone is the most inert elastomer we have.
By the way, Rubbermaid ought to get a class action suit for selling those crappy spatulas. At least we now have a choice, praise be to silicone rubber.
Hey Opie, what size is the tubing on your guy lines, OD vs ID?
I've used latex tubing in all kinds of conditions. Twice it has frozen in the extended position...both times it was in the single digits with wind. And both times, only one of four tensioners froze that night.
If you're only hiking in temps above 20, latex is probably fine if you have easy access to it. Actually, it's probably fine well below 20 because you shouldn't be relying to get a safe pitch anyway.
Not arguing that silicone tubing isn't more effective...just pointing out that latex also meets the needs for most trips. Kinda like how a sleeping bag still works in a hammock.
“Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall when the wise are banished from the public councils because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded because they flatter the people, in order to betray them.” ~Judge Joseph Story
- My site: http://www.tothewoods.net/
- Designer, Jeff's Gear Hammock / Pack Cover by JRB
IMPOSSIBLE JUST TAKES LONGER
Young latex is lovely but it doesn't live long.Not arguing that silicone tubing isn't more effective...just pointing out that latex also meets the needs for most trips. Kinda like how a sleeping bag still works in a hammock.
A more apposite analogy might be to contrast a hammock made of silk to one of nylon.
Whatever works, of course. I just mean to give notice of significant differences in material properties for those who may not know.
3/16ID x 5/16OD I think the wall thickness is 1/16
Thanks Opie. After making about a dozen continuous loops from that 1.75 red, my hands ached for days and I felt crosseyed. I'll be buying the next ones from you. Just wanted to know how to make them.
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