Rigging a hammock with constrictor ropes (UCR's)...

**amac** · 06-30-2009, 03:44

This looks like a very cool system, but what's a "fid"?

**TeeDee** · 06-30-2009, 15:16

Originally Posted by amac

This looks like a very cool system, but what's a "fid"?

It's a tool, usually a hollow tube, that allows you to splice single or double braid rope.

The Selma Fids are good ones. Samson Ropes also makes some good fids.

Samson ropes also sells wire fids for rope larger than 1" in diameter.

I have only seen the Samson fids for sale as a set. Each fid is used on a specific range of rope diameters. The Selma fids are available individually or as a set. Individually they are approximately $8 each.

I have used a large blunted Dritz doll needle for rope 3 mm (1/8") in diameter down to 1.75 mm (0.07") in diameter. I carry the blunted sewing needle for splicing as a standard part of my kit. The Dritz Doll needle can be purchased locally or online. The large one in the package makes a good fid.

**amac** · 06-30-2009, 17:55

Thanks Tee Dee, I was wondering exactly how one feeds the cord inside itself.

Next question: has anyone tried this in the rain?

**SlowBro** · 06-30-2009, 20:52

>Thanks Tee Dee, I was wondering exactly how one feeds the cord inside itself.<

Check out this video http://www.splicesbynick.com/videos for a how to on this.

**amac** · 07-02-2009, 06:37

Originally Posted by SlowBro

Check out this video http://www.splicesbynick.com/videos for a how to on this.

THANKS!!! That is a fantastic demonstration.

**Frawg** · 07-06-2009, 07:41

Originally Posted by Frawg

... I'm curious about the wear characteristics. I've noticed my line getting a little fuzzy; how long will it maintain its strength, and are there any telltale danger signals to look for? ...

To follow up on this, Samson has a technical bulletin on Rope Inspection & Retirement.

**Frawg** · 07-06-2009, 17:18

Originally Posted by amac

...Next question: has anyone tried this in the rain?

I did hang in some moderately heavy rain a couple of nights last week and encountered no problems whatsoever. Plus, the unused free ends of my UCRs made good drip loops; no water even made it to the toggles, let alone the hammock.

**amac** · 07-07-2009, 07:38

Originally Posted by Frawg

I did hang in some moderately heavy rain a couple of nights last week and encountered no problems whatsoever. Plus, the unused free ends of my UCRs made good drip loops; no water even made it to the toggles, let alone the hammock.

I love the innovation of this and the similar Whoopie Sling Suspension.

Like Frawg, I am hoping I can get the UCR system to work with 7/64 Amsteel Blue. I would prefer it over the Whoopie system simply because there is less line involved.

Frawg, how long, in inches, is your constrictor section? When you get a chance, can you post pics of one complete side of your suspension (from tree to hammock)?

Last night I was finally able to feed a length of 7/64 Amsteel through another piece of 7/64 Amsteel for an 18" constrictor. I don't have any fids or knitting tools. I used a piece of steel wire. I bent over the front end of the wire so it was blunt. Worked like a charm.

I see that the Whoopie Sling method has been made a "Sticky" thread under Support Systems. Even though the UCR method is quite similar, does anyone think this thread ought to be made sticky as well?

**angrysparrow** · 07-07-2009, 07:56

Originally Posted by amac

I see that the Whoopie Sling method has been made a "Sticky" thread under Support Systems. Even though the UCR method is quite similar, does anyone think this thread ought to be made sticky as well?

The sticky links back to this thread, as well as the Marlinspike hitch toggle thread. It also has step-by-step instructions for the taper, the bury, and the backsplice. Anyone who researches that thread is going to link back to this one too - at least that was my reasoning.

**Frawg** · 07-07-2009, 08:22

Originally Posted by amac

...
Frawg, how long, in inches, is your constrictor section?

I'm still experimenting, Amac, but the shorter one is 11 inches long and the longer one is 15 inches. The new ones I'm making with fresh line are 12 or 13 inches long.

When you get a chance, can you post pics of one complete side of your suspension (from tree to hammock)?

Will do, probably later today.

Last night I was finally able to feed a length of 7/64 Amsteel through another piece of 7/64 Amsteel for an 18" constrictor. I don't have any fids or knitting tools. I used a piece of steel wire. I bent over the front end of the wire so it was blunt. Worked like a charm.

I love it!! I found another good tool at JoAnn's, hanging near the doll needles - a 9.5 inch "Loop Turner" used for making shoulder straps and (ahem!) frog closures, among other things. So many choices...

I see that the Whoopie Sling method has been made a "Sticky" thread under Support Systems. Even though the UCR method is quite similar, does anyone think this thread ought to be made sticky as well?

IMHO there is so much interplay among several threads that anyone interested in one will end up reading the others. There are several ways to slice this pie and I think AngrySparrow's choice is as good as any. SlowBro's write-up makes a great entry point, especially for someone who wants to cut to the chase.

Cheers!
Chuck