Putting a structural ridgeline on my Claytor

**Rushthezeppelin** · 02-10-2009, 11:03

I can't seem to find anyone resource on how to install a ridgeline or what rope is needed. I'm using ring buckles in my suspension so I think running a ridgeline off that would be easy. Can anyone help me out by giving me the full breakdown of how this should be done.

**Frawg** · 02-10-2009, 11:53

Don't know how useful it'd be to you, Rush, but the "Testbed, Mark II" pictures in my gallery include an adjustable ridgeline I ran between descender rings at the ends of a test hammock:

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I just used 550 paracord because it's what I had on hand and this is just a test setup, anyway; it's a tad stretchy. Fasten the line to one ring with a bowline or buntline hitch, then pass multiple round turns through the other ring and tie the running end back with a tautline hitch. The round turns add friction, allowing the tautline hitch to hold fast under load.

This was inspired by HC4U's SLS idea, which you might want to study.

**stretch** · 02-10-2009, 13:02

ridgeline.JPG

This works pretty well for me. The polypro rope passes through the center loop on the bug net. The loop is oriented perpendicular to the rope but it doesnt seem to be a problem. Nice thing about the hollow polypro is the ability to easily splice it and be able to adjust the length. Pulling some rope out of the splice for added length or pushing more rope inside itself to shorten.

**Rushthezeppelin** · 02-10-2009, 13:11

Originally Posted by stretch

ridgeline.JPG

This works pretty well for me. The polypro rope passes through the center loop on the bug net. The loop is oriented perpendicular to the rope but it doesnt seem to be a problem. Nice thing about the hollow polypro is the ability to easily splice it and be able to adjust the length. Pulling some rope out of the splice for added length or pushing more rope inside itself to shorten.

I know there's got to be some knot to use instead of having to splice....I'm not the greatest with knots and I know that one would take me hours to finish properly : / But the hollow polypro is solid enough for structural ridgeline? Also what thickness are you using.....ohhh and I'm only about 140 lbs if that helps out.

**stretch** · 02-10-2009, 13:31

the splice I use is supper easy. I just melt the frayed end and smooth it out with my fingers. Then you push a twig or key into the rope and spread the strands so you can insert the end of the rope into the center. Work it into the rope for atleast 6 inches. Once the rope is tensioned it acts as a "Chinese finger trap". I'm not sure of size, it may be 3/8's. Bought it at walmart. The working load on the package is pretty low but I have used it for other things and it seems plenty strong. I always hang with plenty of angle in my hammock suspension so it doesnt tighten up until I am inside.

http://www.animatedknots.com/
Get some scrap cord and practice.

**Rushthezeppelin** · 02-10-2009, 13:37

Ohhh I thought you meant that knot where you re-weave the cord back into itself on the other side of a loop. That seems much simpler. It doesn't have a problem coming loose or even shifting length when tension is not on it? Ohhh and I am practicing....just one knot at a time though. I'm currently perfecting the bowline

It usually still takes me a bit of fiddling to get it right.

**stretch** · 02-10-2009, 13:48

I havent had one come loose yet. Here is a link I just found using google.
http://www.sit-on-topkayaking.com/Ar.../EyeSplice.htm

**Rushthezeppelin** · 02-10-2009, 14:14

I think I'll use that method. Seems rather simple and effective.

**freakflyer9999** · 03-01-2009, 21:20

One of my previous hobbies was skydiving. We use fingertraps (splices) for a number of things on a parachute rig. It is quite strong, though for anything critical (life threatening) we do sew it with a few stiches.