??? Best knots to use with shock cord.

[OutandBack]

Hi Guys,
I want to permanently install 8' shock cord on my tarp pullouts.
Since this stuff is kinda stretchy what's the best knot to use for the pullout as well as the stake end?
Would a simple overhand knot work?

[Highbinder]

Hey there. I put shockcord loops on my tarp tieouts. About a 4-5" diametre. I used a double fishermans bend,



to lock the loop.

On my actual tieouts I tied a figure 8 loop,



And then just larkshead it onto the shockcord loops.

I like it because it's flexible. Easy to replace/remove the cord lengths for packing away or if I need to change out the cord, and if one of the shockcords go I can just larkshead the tieout the same over the tarp tieout loop

[Rat]

Just like Highbinder I use the double fisherman's bend to join/make a loop, I then lark's head it to the tarp tie outs. Instead of adding a figure of eight loop tho I use a simple slipped double sheet bend to tie on my guy lines. I also use limiters on my tensioners.

[MAD777]

I use a double fishermans but make a loop out of it. That way, two strands are sharing the load.

[oldgringo]

Just about any knot you want to use will stick with shock cord...I use a single fisherman's bend to make loops...it just won't slip.

8 feet of sc is too much, for several reasons. There are a number of very good designs to be found here on HF. Do some searching/reading before you cut.

[Barefoot Child]

I agree with OldGringo...8' of shock cord may be too much.

Remember it stretches, and what is originally 8' will be longer when stretched. HYOH/YMMV

[OutandBack]

Thanks everyone for your photos and ideas.

I will hold off on cutting until I setup the tarp.

[Highbinder]

Also, you mentioned best knot for the tent peg end, too? I believe a lot of people use a clove hitch. I just use a marlen spike hitch (I'm a knot-noobie) as I find it real quick to tie.

[WV]

OG rules. Single fisherman's knot to make a 12" loop (max) in 1/8" shock cord attached to the tie-out point. Then use a lighter, cheaper, less stretchy line attached to the loop.

[MAD777]

Yeah, I start with only 12" of 1/8" nylon shock cord to make my loops and end up trimming an inch off both ends of the knot, so I'm really using only 10" of shock cord for the loops.

The remainder of the guy line is 1.75 Zing-It. That much strength is not needed but it's easy to work with and not much of anything is actually lighter. I buy it in 180 foot spools from Redden Marine. (My wife is always wondering why she is constantly picking up little bits of yellow string)

BTW: I recently ordered a few feet of 1/8" PolyPro shock cord to compare. Well, it has much more stretch than nylon and IMO isn't suitable.