Amsteel 7/64 questions & suggested uses

[rcurry]

I went kayaking yesterday and packed my diy supplies. Found a nice out of the way place to swim, relax, diy, and hang a new hammock.

I had my Hennessy tree straps with rings attached; new crinkle tablecloth already wrapped the ends, and Amsteel 7/64. (I’m waiting for my little splicing tool to arrive so I can make some whoopies from the Amsteel 7/64.) In the mean time I used the Amsteel with my limited knot skills to hang. This is my first time playing with Amsteel so I have questions. It seemed to be a really slick rope but my knots did hold for the couple of hours I was in it. Does anyone use the Amsteel like this? I ordered it for its use in compression knots (like the whoopies) and not for the way I utilized it yesterday. With that being said… any input into the use of this interesting rope, safety concerns, tips.

I’m unsure if I should just put the Amsteel away and not play with it by tying knots and wait for the Dritz Loop Turner to arrive.

This is such a great site with the most knowledgeable members. But on the down side it really is addictive.

[nacra533]

There is nothing wrong with knotting Amsteel. It doesn't hold knots as well as most other lines, but it does hold knots.
I usually leave a little longer tail than normal just as a precaution.
I've never had a knot capsize in Dyneema/Spectra/Amsteel and I've been using it for about 8 years in marine use, way before I used it on my hammocks. (Since the Dyneema/Spectra 60 days)


=Double Fishermans knots hold really well to make a continuous loop.
=Figure 8 style knots hold well as stoppers or safety knots.
=Bowlines work, leave a little extra tail for security and / or tie the tail around the loop as a safety meausure. Not necessary.

[bayoubomber]

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=53278

This thread should help you out.

[Bubba]

Amsteel is pretty slick and knots will hold but many recommend against them for a a couple of reasons. As mentioned it is pretty slick and knots can undo. Knots also derate the breaking strength. Splicing as is done in whoopie slings preserves a very high percentage of the amsteels breaking strength and allows quick and easy length adjustments.

Some will argue that with a breaking strength of 1600 lbs why worry about it. I say do what makes you feel safe. In the end it is you or maybe a loved one hanging in the air. I like to use a safety factor of 5 times my weight for my suspension to account for static and dynamic forces so if splicing keeps the breaking strength above 1200lbs then I am happy.

[rcurry]

Thanks for the feedback on Amsteel. It really is some interesting rope. I am going to make some repairs on one of my kayaks with it today. A seat back support rope was frayed and finally broke on me. I went to the hardware store and purchase a few feet of rope to fix it, but that was before my Amsteel arrived.

[MAD777]

Beware of splicing Amsteel.
You will waste days away in a zombie like trance, slicing continuous loops, whoopie slings, UCR's, fixed eyes, etc.
You won't respond when your spouse calls you to dinner.