Using tree straps without "eyes" sewn on..

**tiger1dd** · 09-05-2010, 13:54

Well, the title says it all. I have some outrageously heavy straps that ratchet, originally made for automotive uses. I have ridded myself of all extra metal on them, except for these S-hooks. To do that, I plan on cutting that part of that they are hooked to.

This would leave straps with no eye holes- so my question is "How can I attach them to the trees"? I don't use eyes to attach to my hammock, I usually hook a carabiner through a marlin spike hitch.

So, back to my question, how to attach to the trees- Could I tie something like a "buck-knot" at that end, and run it around, or is there some other knot?

**Poppabear** · 09-05-2010, 15:13

I assume by reading your post that you don't have a thread injector. It is very doable to hand stitch an eye in your strap. Just use polyester thread and use two needles so you can do a saddle stitch. Stitch in about a one inch box then a x pattern in it. Done properly it will be every bit as strong as machine stitching. If you don't want to sew then a double overhand knot will work just fine.

**AndyB** · 09-05-2010, 21:31

Originally Posted by Poppabear

... It is very doable to hand stitch an eye in your strap... Done properly it will be every bit as strong as machine stitching.

Poppa Bear is right on the money with this tip. Tonite I just hand-stitched eyes in some brand new 1 inch (25.4 mm) webbing with polyester thread. I tried to break the eye by inserting a 1 inch dowel stick in the eye and pulling with all of my strength, but the eye was rock solid. Sewing something by hand can be so cool!

I think the trick to hand sewing your own webbing eyes is to keep a solid tension on the thread after each stitch.

**pedro** · 09-05-2010, 21:53

Another solution is to twist the eye of the hook open. These are not welded shut. I've done several this way.

**jlb2012** · 09-05-2010, 15:21

I use straps with no loops for hooks or biners - I just use a round turn and two half hitches to attach the strap to the tree

**Festus Hagen** · 09-05-2010, 15:27

Bowline knot. Or cut the hooks and leave the loops (I'm a sheet metal worker so this would be right up my alley but I know... easier said than done)

**Running Feather** · 09-05-2010, 16:14

Originally Posted by Hog On Ice

I use straps with no loops for hooks or biners - I just use a round turn and two half hitches to attach the strap to the tree

Sounded familiar HOI.

Good to hear your keyboard!

**heyyou** · 09-05-2010, 17:35

If I understand correctly, you have some straps with metal hooks on the end of them. You can cut the metal to remove the strap leaving the loop intact. But how?

One way is to put a very thin abrasive cutting wheel in a hand held electric grinder but that is not recommended if you don't already own safety glasses, hard hat, vise, etc.

Plan B is to go to WalMart and buy a hack saw and a fine toothed blade (for cutting metal), then manually saw on the hook to slide the already stiched loop off of the hook body. Wear gloves or know where your bandaids are. Hack saw blades cut on the pull stroke, not as well on the push stroke.

Plan C is what HOI suggested. Wrap the strap around the tree twice then tie the loose end onto the loaded strap without putting a knot in the loaded one. The strap's friction against the tree holds the weight, not the loose knots that you tied using the unloaded end. Don't tighten those knots much since they are not easy to untie in straps.

**Festus Hagen** · 09-05-2010, 17:44

Quite right. If you use the hacksaw method, put the hook in a vice if you can. A pair of vice-grips will help if you don't have access to a vice. Most hacksaws only cut in the "push" direction (though you can put the blade in the saw in either direction).

Originally Posted by heyyou

If I understand correctly, you have some straps with metal hooks on the end of them. You can cut the metal to remove the strap with the loop intact.

How? One way is to put a very thin abrasive cutting wheel in a hand held electric grinder but that is not recommended if you don't already own safety glasses, hard hat, vise, etc.

Plan B is to buy a hack saw and a fine toothed blade (for cutting metal), then manually saw on the hook to slide the already stiched loop off of the ratchet strap. Wear gloves or know where your bandaids are. Use the blade with the most teeth per inch if the blades come in a variety pack.

**obmit** · 09-05-2010, 18:35

Originally Posted by heyyou

If I understand correctly, you have some straps with metal hooks on the end of them. You can cut the metal to remove the strap with the loop intact.

How? One way is to put a very thin abrasive cutting wheel in a hand held electric grinder but that is not recommended if you don't already own safety glasses, hard hat, vise, etc.

Plan B is to go to WalMart and buy a hack saw and a fine toothed blade (for cutting metal), then manually saw on the hook to slide the already stiched loop off of the hook body. Wear gloves or know where your bandaids are. Use the blade with the most teeth per inch if the blades come in a variety pack.

Plan C is what HOI suggested. Wrap the strap around the tree twice then tie the loose end onto the loaded strap without putting a knot in the loaded one. The strap's friction against the tree holds the strap, not the overhand knots that you tied using the unloaded end.

Plan D is to take them to your local hardware store and have them cut them off with their chain cutting tool.