Mini-spreader bar on End Channel Hammock

**Pipsissewa** · 07-01-2012, 08:52

Originally Posted by Rockdawg69

Has anyone considered using these mini-spreaders on a hammock that you have "skins" on. All my hammocks are skinned out all the time for ease of storage and carry in the backpack . I'm thinking the mini bars are going to be somewhat problematic with the skins - unless they can be "de-coupled" rather easily. I'm planning on trying a couple different versions the next 2 days to see what happens. Any advice before I go in "whole hog" ?

Interesting dilemma... . Maybe you could make a continuous loop of amsteel, then run the loop through your channel so that you had a loop of amsteel coming out of each end, then you could lark's head each loop onto your mini-spreader bar and remove when you broke down. Let us know what you figure out.

**gargoyle** · 07-01-2012, 09:15

I dont see why the skins would interfer. Slide the dowel/spreader thru the small end of the skin when the hammock is ready to pack.

When setting up, slide the spreader and hammock all the way thru, so the skin is on the single line part of the suspension.

Unless your skins are really tight on the small end? Might need to customize the small end some?

**Rockdawg69** · 07-01-2012, 09:47

Originally Posted by Pipsissewa

Interesting dilemma... . Maybe you could make a continuous loop of amsteel, then run the loop through your channel so that you had a loop of amsteel coming out of each end, then you could lark's head each loop onto your mini-spreader bar and remove when you broke down. Let us know what you figure out.

That is exactly what I plan to do as my Switchback has loops of amsteel on the ends. The only question now is what the effect on stability will be with the whoopies larks headed on the center. Not too good I think as I expect there to be some wobble with the spreader in place.

**Rockdawg69** · 07-01-2012, 09:50

Originally Posted by gargoyle

I dont see why the skins would interfer. Slide the dowel/spreader thru the small end of the skin when the hammock is ready to pack.

When setting up, slide the spreader and hammock all the way thru, so the skin is on the single line part of the suspension.

Unless your skins are really tight on the small end? Might need to customize the small end some?

Figured I could do that, but it also puts hard points into the skins when packed. Might not be a problem. Will find out soon.

**gordonfreeman** · 07-01-2012, 10:08

Here's what I don't get, why go so far as to clove hitch when you could just:

Use a dowel with groves
Make a loop on either side of the amsteel and insert the dowel in between? The tension on both sides should keep them from slipping or trying to untwist.

**Rockdawg69** · 07-01-2012, 13:27

Originally Posted by Redoleary

I haven't had to "pin" the fabric to the corners of the suspension yet, it seems to not gather too badly in the center. I think the secret may beto get the suspension fairly tight on the under side of the bar, where it passes thru the hammock channel. Not positive tho'.

Fabric as tight against the bar is the correct answer. Tried several ways of running the channel and amsteel loops today and "discovered" your answer was correct. I think gmcttr's solution may be the best answer so far. Seems to be the only way to get the channel to stay spread out without sewing something else together, be it loops to channel or otherwise.

My amsteel loops are 12-inchers, neither holes in the bar or grooves with larks heads spread the fabric out. Too much length in the loops. Tried both 6-inch and 8-inch bars - same result, although the 8-inch was better. Shortening the loop length with an added wrap over the bar fixed the problem by tightening the channel closer to the bar, thereby keeping it spread out more. So anything that can keep the fabric channel "fixed" close to the bar appears workable.

Have not tried to answer my other concern about impact of having a spread bar and its affects on skins on the hammock. Trying later today after the 99 degree, 90% humidity drops a bit in the evening.

**olddog** · 07-01-2012, 14:52

Originally Posted by GrayDog

That appears to be square metal tubing that OD's stand is made from.

btw Pips, that was one mighty fine tablecloth hammock you made.

Here is the link for my indoor stand Gray Dog. http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=35273

**olddog** · 07-01-2012, 15:09

Had a little me time this morning and this is what I came up with on the mini spreaders on my fulltimer. The 3/4" dowels were shortened to 6" with 4" between the grooves. Two amsteels were made with loops on each end to feed thru the channels. Whoopies were made with a loop on one end which is attached to the dowel with overhand knots in the grooves. This allows the hammock to be removed from the suspension for laundering by loosing one loop and sliding the amsteel out of the channel.Initial test lays seem to be a better lay then my first version. Pip's I too had a time getting the tightened clove hitches loose so on this version just used overhand knots.

**Rockdawg69** · 07-02-2012, 10:33

Originally Posted by gargoyle

I dont see why the skins would interfer. Slide the dowel/spreader thru the small end of the skin when the hammock is ready to pack.

When setting up, slide the spreader and hammock all the way thru, so the skin is on the single line part of the suspension.

Unless your skins are really tight on the small end? Might need to customize the small end some?

Tried the skins with the spreader bar in place. Not a problem so far. I just have to realign the amsteel loops once the bar is free of the skins. Did not have to customize the skins. Turns out they were just right to keep everything tight at the suspension end.

**olddog** · 07-02-2012, 10:58

Spent the first night in my final version and was amazed at the difference this mod makes to the hang of my hammock. Woke a couple of times this AM and couldn't make myself get up until around 9:00. Now to get started on my hiking hammock!

Thanks again Red.