Rigging A Tarp For A Hammock

**MikedKC** · 10-06-2011, 07:26

As a noob, I am learning so much from this forum, thanks to terrific illustrations like this. Very nice work.

**dejoha** · 10-06-2011, 18:41

You're welcome MikedKC!

**SweetLou** · 11-02-2011, 11:59

I am hoping to use the prusik knot method to hang my tarp, but I am having some problems. The rope I am using won't hold. I tried the prusik and klemheist knots with extra turns but still no good with my rope.
Here is a picture of the rope I want to use. I want to use the smaller of the two. The larger rope is 7/64 Amsteel, I am not certain what the smaller rope is. I bought it, so I am guessing a smaller Amsteel.

If I use the smaller rope as the prusik, it is no problem tying to the 7/64, but I am hoping not to use the 7/64 for this.

I did try the Blake's Hitch with extra turns using a 6-3 configuration. That seems to work ok. Any problems using the Blake's Hitch? Anything else I could use or do differently to use a prusik or klemheist?

**dejoha** · 11-02-2011, 12:11

Amsteel, or Dyneema, is SLIPPERY! When I tie a prusik, not only do I use a smaller-diameter line, I also try to use different material. I use the Amsteel/Dyneema/Lash-it/Zing-it for the ridgeline, but then some other natural fiber like mason line.

That said, when I bought my continuous ridgeline from Opie/WhoopieSlings.com, it came with Zing-it for both. It works great. Maybe the prusik needs to be really tight?

**Porloff94** · 11-02-2011, 13:14

I use a 1.75 Zing-it CRL, ala Opie's design, with the knot bone and figure 9 for the V opening and prusiks. The prusiks are wrapped at least 5 times and super tight and they hold like champs.

**SweetLou** · 11-02-2011, 13:27

Yeah, I knew using the same rope would be a problem since it is the same size. I also knew the Amsteel would be a problem due to being slippery. I have tried tying them as tight as I could, still no good. Even with the Blake's Hitch, I had to tie it very tight in the 6-3 configuration.

I was hoping to be able to go to the park today with my pup and do some testing. Is twisted mason line ok? I think the last time I was at Home Depot, I only saw the twisted, no braided. There is a small hardware store on the way to the park, so I might try there and hope they have some.

**SweetLou** · 11-02-2011, 13:30

Originally Posted by Porloff94

I use a 1.75 Zing-it CRL, ala Opie's design, with the knot bone and figure 9 for the V opening and prusiks. The prusiks are wrapped at least 5 times and super tight and they hold like champs.

Thanks, I know I can use other methods, but I won't be able to go to the park today to do some testing since I don't have the other rope or hardware. I was thinking about using Dutch Flyz in the future, but for now, I was hoping someone had a way I could use what I have on hand.

**SweetLou** · 11-02-2011, 16:42

Originally Posted by SweetLou

I did try the Blake's Hitch with extra turns using a 6-3 configuration. That seems to work ok. Any problems using the Blake's Hitch? Anything else I could use or do differently to use a prusik or klemheist?

I just did some test knots and it seems like using the Blake's Hitch in a 6-2 configuration is better. I tied one end of the rope to a door knob then around a chair. After trying it this way, I was able to push pretty hard against the chair and it wouldn't move, yet I was still able to adjust the placement of the knot when not under tension. If I pushed the chair as hard as I can, sometimes got slippage. Maybe I'll try a 7-2 setup and see how that goes.