Amsteel diameter

**5wood67** · 03-04-2013, 22:13

What diameter amsteel would you recommend for use on a DIY hammock. Looking for approx 250# capacity. What other factors "trig equations" need to be considered???

**SilvrSurfr** · 03-04-2013, 22:17

A general rule of thumb is a 5 to 1 safety ratio. Your weight x 5 = 1250 lbs. Therefore, 7/64 Amsteel is sufficient. If you are really paranoid, get the 1/8" Amsteel, though I think it's overkill.

**5wood67** · 03-04-2013, 22:22

Thank you! It's been a long winter and trying a few ideas. Thanks for your help!!!!

**Roadrunnr72** · 03-04-2013, 22:29

Originally Posted by SilvrSurfr

A general rule of thumb is a 5 to 1 safety ratio. Your weight x 5 = 1250 lbs. Therefore, 7/64 Amsteel is sufficient. If you are really paranoid, get the 1/8" Amsteel, though I think it's overkill.

Ding ding ding, we have a winner

So, ya, what he said.......RR

**SilvrSurfr** · 03-04-2013, 22:29

I forgot to mention why 7/64" is sufficient - 1600 lbs. breaking strength.

**Brute1100** · 03-05-2013, 07:26

7/64 has held me and my daughter swinging pretty good several times... We are about 240 together...

**SmokeBait** · 03-05-2013, 10:45

Yep, 7/64" will work just fine.

**bigfanboy** · 11-25-2013, 17:15

I made my first set of DIY Whoopie Slings with 5/16, because that's all the West Marine by me had.

They are too bulky, but not really that much heavier than my 7/64 set. I put them on a spare DIY hammock I use for my kids. And hey I can always use them to tow a car with the 13,700lb breaking weight.

**SmokeBait** · 11-26-2013, 12:58

Originally Posted by bigfanboy

I made my first set of DIY Whoopie Slings with 5/16, because that's all the West Marine by me had.

They are too bulky, but not really that much heavier than my 7/64 set. I put them on a spare DIY hammock I use for my kids. And hey I can always use them to tow a car with the 13,700lb breaking weight.

Wow! No worries about those breaking

Congrats on your first DIY set.

**bigfanboy** · 11-26-2013, 13:14

No doubt, but now I am an old hat at them, super fun, learning lots.

I have made 4 sets now, for other project Hammocks, also going to make an adjustable RL soon. Which when successful will probably mean a few more made.

I can make a set now in about 5 minutes complete with Locked Bromels and Burried ends, sans the stichting.

Once I stared at this PDF for a few it was super helpful.
http://www.neropes.com/Splicing%20Gu...opie_Sling.pdf

Along with this post
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=13328

Lots of good info out there.