Larks Head slipping

[SmokyMtnHiker]

I have a 10x12' that I use s-biners to attach to two larks head loops that I have tied around my ridge line.

My ridge line is amsteel so it's quite slick. My larks head loops are a standard, run of the mill, nylon cordage. My guess is its, for a lack of a better term, 325# paracord..The nylon cordage is nearly the same diameter as the amsteel.

The larks head is not binding like a larks head knot should. It slides very easily across my ridge line even when its under a load.

Are there any other cordages out there that would cinch down tighter on amsteel? Or would going to a smaller diameter line do the trick?

[SilvrSurfr]

I think you're missing a word or two that might help us understand what you're trying to do. But I'll go ahead and guess what you're trying to do.

1. 10 x 12 what? Tarp?
2. If it is a tarp, then an Amsteel ridgeline is overkill. Zing-it 1.75 or 2.2 mm is generally used for tarp ridgelines.
3. A larkshead is not an adequate way to attach the tarp to the ridgeline. Prusik (or Klemheist) knots are the generally accepted method of attaching tarp to ridgeline.
4. Prusik knots generally work better when the prusik is a smaller diameter than the rope onto which you are prusiking. However, many of us use 1.75 mm Zing-It ridgelines with 1.75 mm prusiks (or soft shackle prusiks) - we just add four wraps instead of three.
5. Paracord is probably not the cord you want for making prusiks. It stretches.

[Floridahanger]

It's always wise to go to a smaller diameter cord. For this attachment, you don't need a very strong line. I use mason's line with great success. If the wind is strong enough to break the line, I'd rather that, then rip my tarp.

You could also use a 3 wrap prusik/prussic knot that holds nicely until you push it. Just make sure you always dress the knots correctly.

[Floridahanger]

Again, SS beats me to it.

Your like a hawk, perched there on top of the piney tree. Hammock below you, waiting for the next question to pounce on before going to bed.

[SilvrSurfr]

Again, SS beats me to it.

Your like a hawk, perched there on top of the piney tree. Hammock below you, waiting for the next question to pounce on before going to bed.

Bed? Don't you mean hammock?

[SmokyMtnHiker]

I think you're missing a word or two that might help us understand what you're trying to do. But I'll go ahead and guess what you're trying to do.

1. 10 x 12 what? Tarp?
2. If it is a tarp, then an Amsteel ridgeline is overkill. Zing-it 1.75 or 2.2 mm is generally used for tarp ridgelines.
3. A larkshead is not an adequate way to attach the tarp to the ridgeline. Prusik (or Klemheist) knots are the generally accepted method of attaching tarp to ridgeline.
4. Prusik knots generally work better when the prusik is a smaller diameter than the rope onto which you are prusiking. However, many of us use 1.75 mm Zing-It ridgelines with 1.75 mm prusiks (or soft shackle prusiks) - we just add four wraps instead of three.
5. Paracord is probably not the cord you want for making prusiks. It stretches.

I was missing some info. I was trying to get my 2 yrs old daughter down for bed whilst typing this on my phone..

1) Yes a silnylon tarp
2) I used amsteel because I had plenty left over
3 & 4) I'll give that a try
5) Again, its what had laying around

thanks

[SmokyMtnHiker]

It's always wise to go to a smaller diameter cord. For this attachment, you don't need a very strong line. I use mason's line with great success. If the wind is strong enough to break the line, I'd rather that, then rip my tarp.

You could also use a 3 wrap prusik/prussic knot that holds nicely until you push it. Just make sure you always dress the knots correctly.

Using mason's line did cross my mind. I'll give that a go. Thanks.

[Floridahanger]

Bed? Don't you mean hammock?

Yes, yes I do. I highlighted it below for you.

Again, SS beats me to it.

Your like a hawk, perched there on top of the piney tree. Hammock below you, waiting for the next question to pounce on before going to bed.

Remember, your hammock is your bed.

[SilvrSurfr]

Using mason's line did cross my mind. I'll give that a go. Thanks.

I can see an argument for mason's line prusiks:

1) It's cheap
2) It's smaller diameter than the rope you want to prusik onto.
3) In high winds the prusik will probably snap before the tarp rips.

However, it is my understanding that the reason we use prusiks to attach tarps to ridgelines is that they will slip in high winds (over 30 lbs. of pressure, I think I read somewhere), thereby protecting the tarp from rippage. So a breakable line may not be much of an advantage in high winds.

If you were using 1.75 mm Zing-It prusiks, they would slip, loosening the tarp up so it didn't tear, but they would hold somewhat. With mason's line, they might break and the tarp flies away off into the night. Bye-bye tarp.

I've always found that in high winds, the first thing to fail are the stakes pulling out of the ground, but maybe that's 'cause I use Zing-It 1.75 mm prusiks and ridgeline, which at 500 lbs. breaking strength aren't going to give in to mere 50-60 mph winds.

[SmokyMtnHiker]

Ok, I think I have my terms mixed up. I do use a prusiks..that's a larks head doubled, correct?