nick in ripstop fabric?

**AppalachianHammock** · 08-01-2011, 19:40

So with my latest diy 1.9oz ripstop hammock, I was teaching the family dog to jump in and out (with the help of some cookies) and when we were done, I noticed a spot where her nail must have caught the fabric just right, and there is a small, "nick" in the fabric. you can feel it, and when I put my finger on the other side of the fabric, I can see my finger, but it isnt torn all the way through.

My question is: is it ok to use with the small nick (around 1/2" long) or should I watch it carefully? or should I sew a ripstop patch on both sides?

**BlackRock** · 08-01-2011, 19:52

I generally try to fix any tears in my gear asap, especially if there is a chance it could rip further.

Without seeing the damage or knowing the location it's hard to say if a complete tear would even matter, but a fix wouldn't hurt.

Now if it's not much of a tear and not somewhere your going to drop a knee into all the time then it might not matter.

**hippofeet** · 08-01-2011, 21:12

I would mend it. The tear outs I have had happened quick. And it will go when you least want it to.

**Ramblinrev** · 08-01-2011, 21:23

I have used a ripstop hammock with a hole the size of a quarter in it. However, I did not use it for long periods at a time. There are patch kits for nylon that stretch and a glued on. I don't remember the name but that would be my suggestion. Sewing a patch on would just add more localized stress and potentially make things worse. I know duct tape (real duct tape) has been used successfully.

**AppalachianHammock** · 08-01-2011, 23:30

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

I have used a ripstop hammock with a hole the size of a quarter in it. However, I did not use it for long periods at a time. There are patch kits for nylon that stretch and a glued on. I don't remember the name but that would be my suggestion. Sewing a patch on would just add more localized stress and potentially make things worse. I know duct tape (real duct tape) has been used successfully.

Well, nothing is really "torn". I looked at it with a flashlight behind it, and it just seems like the threads are sorta split, like opened up a tiny bit.

**Ramblinrev** · 08-02-2011, 07:56

Originally Posted by nc527

Well, nothing is really "torn". I looked at it with a flashlight behind it, and it just seems like the threads are sorta split, like opened up a tiny bit.

You might be ok... try putting the hammock on a hard smooth surface (not concrete... more like a countertop) and smushing it around to reorganize the weave. If nothing is broken that might help. Don't hang higher than you are willing to fall is a good guideline for testing this kind of situation.