Where to get those steel S-hooks

[jbphilly]

So I've started making my own hammocks as presents for people, and as such I'm trying to keep the costs down...a pair of whoopie slings for each hammock really adds up, and these aren't for gram counters. I have a feeling if I could find a place to buy a large quantity of those steel S-hooks that come with every Grand Trunk hammock (or most of them) it would wind up being one of the cheapest options for hanging the hammock from the suspension.

So does anybody know of a place to get hooks like that, that are strong enough to bear weight? Also, what kind of cord could I get to tie the hooks to the hammock that would be fairly cheap to buy in large-ish amounts? I don't know anything about climbing and thus nothing about rope...

[Dos]

If it were me making presents, I would buy a fairly large quantity of
Amsteel from Redden Marine with their holiday discount for HF members
(unless it has passed)
and would have made the whoopies myself as well as nacrabiners (in lieu of S hooks)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Cort...yer_embedded#!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jH66tGsWv_Y

So that would be my thrifty idea.

the amsteel I ordered was 1/8
tested to 2300 If I remember correctly

[kayak karl]

you can get hardware at home depot/lowes. i use their steel rings for straps. have used their stainless stuff for eye hooks and kayak stuff.

[Cali]

I got chain links at Lowes that are very small and rated for 220 lbs for less than $2 a piece. They also have a bit bigger rated to 660 for a little over $2 a piece. I like the chain links better than S hooks because they lock, and not as likely to slip off and get lost.

[rip waverly]

i have some with the stock thick black rope too - PM if you want em.

[Rain Man]

I got chain links at Lowes that are very small and rated for 220 lbs for less than $2 a piece.

If they are only rated to 220 lbs, that's not nearly enough and leave NO margin for safety.

Speaking of safety, if you read the packaging, I'm betting they say NOT for applications where human safety is involved, or some such.

Sorry to be a spoil sport, but no need to endanger folks' health over a cheap part by using it for something it's not intended for, and too weak to handle anyway. There's a reason for the saying, "the right tool for the job."

Rain Man

.

[Beast 71]

Rainman is right! Don't use any sort of eye-bolt or hook that isn't drop-forged and rated (ansi, osha, ect...) either. check out either of these for use with webbing; http://arrowheadequipment.webs.com/a...s/show/2575054 , http://www.rei.com/product/471123/smc-descending-ring . The ones from arrowheadequipment is BY FAR the easiest system I've used. YMMV.

[wisenber]

You could just go with climbing biners....

[DemostiX]

You need 60cm / 2ft of 7/64" Amsteel Blue to make a nacrabiner / soft shackle. That's about $.50 and a breaking strength of 700kg / 1500lb. Not to mention impressing those who see and use for the first time.

Allen Edwards latest variation, a blend of the Kohloff and Coligo Marine style is easier to operate. But, it is the hand-fabrication that is satisfying. Note: This variation is a little hard to find at Edwards L-36.com web page.

Spend more (and need a little greater length too) for larger line, right up to 1/4" / 6mm and you'll wind up with shackles that feel wonderful in the hand, and still cost <$2 each in materials. Climbing carabiner lovers can still claim strength superiority, as the 1/4" Amsteel Blue softie will might break with a load of 2300kg /5000lb.

[Shewie]

What about putting the suspension through and end channel or over the gathered bundle, no hooks needed then so even cheaper still