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  1. #1
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    DIY Hammock Suspension Issues

    I just inspected my DIY hammock and I noticed the fabric had developed a hole in it there the larkshead knot went around the hammock.

    This is the first time I used whipping instead of knotting. I only spent 2 nights in it under almost idea conditions. I only set it up once and did not move it around.

    I am using the 7/64" armsteel for the whipping and the larkshead knot. The knot is right up next to the whipping. I did not notice any slipping of the whipping. It is not resting against the end seams.

    I am using a nylon taffeta. I experienced a similar problem on some ripstop I was trying before. I think this is either a factor of how I am doing it or the rope I am using.

    Before I was knotting the ends and using webbing without any issues.

    Any thoughts?
    Is that too much to ask? Girls with frikkin' lasers on their heads?
    The hanger formly known as "hammock engineer".

  2. #2
    Senior Member stoikurt's Avatar
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    Sounds like the smaller cord is concentrating the stress more than the material can handle.
    Stoikurt
    "Work to Live...Don't Live to Work!"

  3. #3
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    I wonder if it is the size or the stiffness. It is almost 1/8" thick. Wouldn't that the wide enough?

    What are other people using?
    Is that too much to ask? Girls with frikkin' lasers on their heads?
    The hanger formly known as "hammock engineer".

  4. #4
    Senior Member stoikurt's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by hammock engineer View Post
    I wonder if it is the size or the stiffness. It is almost 1/8" thick. Wouldn't that the wide enough?

    What are other people using?
    Consider the per square inch pressure put on the hammock from a 1" wide strap vs. a 1/8" cord. That's an awful lot of pressure on the hammock fabric from the small diameter cord.
    Stoikurt
    "Work to Live...Don't Live to Work!"

  5. #5
    Senior Member headchange4u's Avatar
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    I would say that you need to switch to either webbing or a larger diameter rope. I use 5mm climbing rope on my suspension system.

    I once attached a tarp ridge line cord (the very thin Ultralight cord) through one of the sewn loops on the of my webbing straps. When I was breaking down I was taking the tarp off and I pulled the the cord through the loop and it cut the webbing like a hot knife through butter. The small diameter cord could be doing basically the same thing to the hammock.

  6. #6
    Senior Member blackbishop351's Avatar
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    I've been using the stock HH 1/8" Spectra (or similar) for suspension attachments on my homemade hammock all along, with no problems. What are you using for the hammock body? Mine is 1.9 oz. grey (somewhat coated) ripstop from Walmart. It's got a VERY sturdy feel to it. Lighter or less durable material might be the problem. Or, like others suggested, use a larger cord or run your webbing straight to the hammock.

    As a side note, I originally had my straps run straight to the hammock body with no cord in between. I switched because I didn't like the way the webbing pinched the material, and the webbing itself looked like it was too stressed when looped around itself. JMO.
    "Physics is the only true science. All else is stamp collecting." - J. J. Thompson

  7. #7
    Senior Member stoikurt's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by headchange4u View Post
    I would say that you need to switch to either webbing or a larger diameter rope. I use 5mm climbing rope on my suspension system.

    I once attached a tarp ridge line cord (the very thin Ultralight cord) through one of the sewn loops on the of my webbing straps. When I was breaking down I was taking the tarp off and I pulled the the cord through the loop and it cut the webbing like a hot knife through butter. The small diameter cord could be doing basically the same thing to the hammock.
    My rope to the hammock is about the same as yours. I think it's 3/16" from West Marine rated to around 1100 pounds. 3/16" is almost the same as your 5mm (4.76 mm).
    Stoikurt
    "Work to Live...Don't Live to Work!"

  8. #8
    Senior Member headchange4u's Avatar
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    I remember seeing another thread where the support rope wore a hole in the hammock body. I think the pic in in the gallery somewhere.

    Also, you may add a piece of webbing under the whipping like what is shown in Hogn8r's through the whip suspension. That may hep to protect the hammock body.

    EDIT: The pic with hole in the hammock body is in the thread link to above.

  9. #9
    Senior Member Grinder's Avatar
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    I vote for the sheet bend knot. (Or a double if you're insecure) no whipping required.

    No problems here. I slept out from October through the end of the year full time.

    Try it, you'll like it.

    Tom

  10. #10
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    i wonder if jeff has seen any wear from the really small cord he's using w/ the rings?
    I too will something make and joy in it's making

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