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View Full Version : what cordage do you use guys?



heescha
05-06-2008, 10:18
ok, what cords is he using here (http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGe...eSupports.html)?

where do i get that stuff!?!?!

headchange4u
05-06-2008, 10:26
The link you provided is not showing up for me but you can check out these threads for some good discussion on types of line:

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3944
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3459
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3117

angrysparrow
05-06-2008, 10:26
ok, what cords is he using here (http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGe...eSupports.html)?

where do i get that stuff!?!?!

First, your link is broken. That's okay, though, because I can infer from the link text that you mean this page (http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearRingBuckleSupports.html). If you read the materials section there, it is clear that he used Air Core Plus from here (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/aircore_plus_spectra_cord.html). I would recommend you looking at APS (http://www.apsltd.com/Home.asp) for cording. Their Spyderline (http://www.apsltd.com/Tree/d279000/e276768.asp) in it's various diameters is popular here, as is Amsteel (http://www.apsltd.com/Tree/d3000/e827.asp).

heescha
05-06-2008, 10:54
thanks guys! i also need to know what size you guys use for ridgeline?

Hooch
05-06-2008, 11:07
thanks guys! i also need to know what size you guys use for ridgeline?3 mm should be sufficient for most quality cordage.

Narwhalin
05-06-2008, 11:16
I went to the local sailing shop and found a few different varieties of low diameter, high strength line. Mine is this: http://www.englishbraids.com/products/indexm.html (The "dynamic line" second from the top) I believe I use the 3mm, but I cannot remember...

Total weight for my support line and ridgeline is ~2 oz. I use the same line for both support and ridgeline, although for a ridgeline my rope is overkill. You only need about 200-300 pounds strength for the ridgeline whilst the supports need to hold around 600 pounds.

headchange4u
05-06-2008, 11:17
I use the Amsteel 12 7/64" for my ridge lines.

slowhike
05-06-2008, 19:55
that was a great find when some you found much less expensive sources for some (if not all) of the cords they sell on BPL.com.

at some point i'll want to look that thread up again were someone took close up shots of a grey/silver cord that appears to be the exact same cord that i bought from BPL.com as their heaviest bear bag line.

i paid about $30.00 for a 50' line there.

Incacamper
05-09-2008, 07:31
I went to the local sailing shop and found a few different varieties of low diameter, high strength line. Mine is this: http://www.englishbraids.com/products/indexm.html (The "dynamic line" second from the top) I believe I use the 3mm, but I cannot remember...

Total weight for my support line and ridgeline is ~2 oz. I use the same line for both support and ridgeline, although for a ridgeline my rope is overkill. You only need about 200-300 pounds strength for the ridgeline whilst the supports need to hold around 600 pounds.

Really? From previous reading I thought that the ridgeline had to be as strong as the suspension. If this is not the case, then I can run down to REI and get some 3mm rope there that will work just fine as a ridgeline, and not have to pay for shipping.

Only $9.00 for 50 ft. and it has a strength of 400 lbs. Would that be ok?

http://www.rei.com/product/729594

Oh-No
05-09-2008, 08:23
Really? From previous reading I thought that the ridgeline had to be as strong as the suspension.
Only $9.00 for 50 ft. and it has a strength of 400 lbs. Would that be ok?

http://www.rei.com/product/729594

Yes, provided your suspension lines have enough sag. (approaching 30 degrees is generally recommended) As your suspension lines approach 0 degrees sag (from horizontal) the forces on the ridge line (and suspension lines) increase rapidly and you could break lines.
Is that 400lb "strength" the breaking strength or the working load? Remember knots reduce strength as does wear & tear over time.

NCPatrick
05-09-2008, 08:28
I went to the local sailing shop and found a few different varieties of low diameter, high strength line.

I'm just amazed that you have a local sailing shop in Wichita, KS. I guess there are some big lakes near Wichita? Sorry to digress...

Narwhalin
05-09-2008, 08:38
There is a small lake called Cheney Lake that is surprisingly popular for sailboating. I would have never thought that store exsisted except that I was at this lake all the time when I was a kid, and I figured someone would cater to sailboats.

Funny thing is, when I called to make sure he would have the cord I needed, he told me that he couldn't sell it to me if it was for hammocking--only for boating. Confused, I sat there in silence until he said "Just joking..." What a charachter this guy was! Really funny and knowledgeable guy. And the line I ended up buying was .25 a foot, so really good deal, too!

He also showed me a method for splicing lines that I will start a thread about now...

NCPatrick
05-09-2008, 08:48
Funny thing is, when I called to make sure he would have the cord I needed, he told me that he couldn't sell it to me if it was for hammocking--only for boating. Confused, I sat there in silence until he said "Just joking..." What a charachter this guy was! Really funny and knowledgeable guy. And the line I ended up buying was .25 a foot, so really good deal, too!


That IS funny :D

Narwhalin
05-09-2008, 08:59
I am sorry you all, I didn't notice the discussion about the breaking strength of the ridgeline. Read this page about adding a ridgeline by Jeff:

http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeHammock4.html

From that page:


First, choose your cord. Anything with a breaking strength of about 200-300 lbs should work, but just like hammock supports it should probably be low-stretch. I've had 550 cord stretch so much that it wasn't useful. I've also used BPL Air Core 2, which is very thin and light so I thought it would be perfect...but it was so thin that it was damaging the hammock supports. Right now my favorite is BPL Air Core Plus...it's really too expensive for this use, but I had some already cut to the right length so I put it on there. Webbing can also work.

Regardless, my stuff won't break. It is the same as I use for the support lines. Looks better that way, anyhow! :cool:

heescha
05-09-2008, 10:04
i guess i just don't understand tensil strength...can someone explain that?

heescha
05-09-2008, 10:13
so would this work for a ridge line?

http://www.rei.com/product/729597?cm_sp=prod*desc_rel_item*element

and by the way...i'm trying to make my hammock support up to 400 lbs