View Full Version : Clark Drip Rings used for part of suspension
hangnout
05-13-2009, 23:56
http://junglehammock.com/youtube.php
I just saw this on the Clark site. The video shows how to use the Clark drip rings as part of a simple adjustable suspension.
I may have to try and find the ones I took off mine and try this.
Ramblinrev
05-14-2009, 00:22
A big BOO-HISS for using ropes without a webbing tree hugger. I know Clark is not responsible for that video but somewhere in there should be a statement about the use of something other than rope around the tree, The idea looks interesting tho.
TinaLouise
05-14-2009, 06:47
that is an interresting concept w/the drip rings!!
not taking up for the lack of straps around that pole, but when I first got my clark, I wanted to use it a few times "just as is" before adding new/different ways to hang it. I picked either oak or pine trees, none of those delicate trees that the bark/skin is easily harmed. One of the first things I found out was if you only went around a tree once with the rope, that rope will slip down the tree as you move around in the hammock. So when I looked at that video, my thought was that they were just demo-ing the drip rings. You would most diffinately need straps around the tree to be able to use that drip ring system. Please note that these are only my personal observations.
Ramblinrev
05-14-2009, 06:56
that is an interresting concept w/the drip rings!!
not taking up for the lack of straps around that pole, but when I first got my clark, I wanted to use it a few times "just as is" before adding new/different ways to hang it. I picked either oak or pine trees, none of those delicate trees that the bark/skin is easily harmed. One of the first things I found out was if you only went around a tree once with the rope, that rope will slip down the tree as you move around in the hammock. So when I looked at that video, my thought was that they were just demo-ing the drip rings. You would most diffinately need straps around the tree to be able to use that drip ring system. Please note that these are only my personal observations.
I hadn't thought about that. Good call. I also wondered about the way the rope went around the tree. I guess I just figure if someone is going to do a video demo of something they will video it the way it would actually be done in the field.
I may have to unplug my keyboard when I can't sleep at night. Seems to get me into trouble. :(
photomankc
05-15-2009, 11:05
I had the same thought but since I have no idea what those are rated to handle in loading I was not too keen on doing that and relying on it not to bruise my back.
hangnout
05-15-2009, 18:41
Do you really think you are going to bend those drip rings before the sewn channel on the Clark gives way? I found the drip rings I took off and will try the set up this weekend. This is not much different than the setup I use with carabiners. I just have to wrap the biner 3 times due to the smaller diameter.
Would it be terrible if Ring/Buckle thread was a little shorter due to being able use the stock suspension without making modifications?:D
hangnout
05-15-2009, 19:46
I set up my hammock in the yard using the drip rings as described in the video in this thread.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/files/1/1/6/clarkdr.jpg
Sometimes the simple solutions are the best. These are very quick to adjust. I bounced around in the hammock and had no slippage. I put the rope thru the tree hugger but if you was not worried about a couple more ounces you could use a biner and clip into the hugger. This would allow you to leave the entire suspension intact and quickly rehang the hammock.
The drip rings weigh .4 ounces each about the same as one SMC ring used in the ring/buckle system. A Clark drip ring with spyderline would be hard to beat on weight and adjustability. I have 2 sets of these I have taken off Clark hammocks so I know at least 2 of my hammocks will use these.
photomankc
05-21-2009, 16:12
Do you really think you are going to bend those drip rings before the sewn channel on the Clark gives way?
Probably not, but as I said.... don't know. You guys go ahead and test it for awhile though! :D
The other thing I like with the SMC rings is that I can move them around since I just hitch them into the line so I can send them way out on the line and keep my drip rings under the tarp.
TinaLouise
05-22-2009, 06:51
now I don't know and I'm only guessing here... but with the original set up using the drip rings, wouldn't all the weight of hanging with you in the hammock, already been transfered through those drip rings?? and they didn't fail. So to me, it looks like now you've got two points of contact on the drip rings, same load but spread out a little bit more. Where's those math guys that did all the calulations on that one thread I boggled through??
I think the rope or the hammock would fail before those drip rings (https://www.junglehammock.com/store/product.php?productid=48&cat=8&bestseller=Y&js=n). They are forged aluminum, no seam/joint and are pretty beefy. I'd bet that they are stronger than an SMC descending ring (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444193 1641&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302690489).
photomankc
05-22-2009, 08:48
now I don't know and I'm only guessing here... but with the original set up using the drip rings, wouldn't all the weight of hanging with you in the hammock, already been transfered through those drip rings?? and they didn't fail. So to me, it looks like now you've got two points of contact on the drip rings, same load but spread out a little bit more. Where's those math guys that did all the calulations on that one thread I boggled through??
As a drip ring they would only bear the constricting load of the rope squeezing around it. In this config they would bear load in opposing directions by acting as a connecting link between the hammock and the tree.
They may well be able to take hundreds or thousands of pounds, but I'd still like to know before I relied on it. Since they have no seam I agree they are probably quite strong.
Sometimes I really hate this site. I see a thread like this, and it just makes me go out an buy something else that I don't really need, but just have to test. I went and ordered 2 sets of the drip rings this morning, and even though it was under $10 for 2 sets, it's just another thing I'll have to play around with.:rolleyes::)
At worst, I may add them to my BB's as simple drip rings.
photomankc
05-22-2009, 12:39
Sometimes I really hate this site. I see a thread like this, and it just makes me go out an buy something else that I don't really need, but just have to test. I went and ordered 2 sets of the drip rings this morning, and even though it was under $10 for 2 sets, it's just another thing I'll have to play around with.:rolleyes::)
At worst, I may add them to my BB's as simple drip rings.
LOL. You need a rig to test static load too!!!!! Then you could do a proper test.
LOL. You need a rig to test static load too!!!!! Then you could do a proper test.
I'll leave that to all the engineers in the crowd.:D I will consider it a successful test if I don't end up on my bum!
I have the drip rings on my Clark NA, and always liked them. Doesn't hurt to have a few more around. But dang those impulse buys!!!:laugh:
Ramblinrev
05-22-2009, 13:27
Cap't... the impulse engines are reaching critical.... She can't take much more of this...
hangnout
05-22-2009, 19:22
I'll leave that to all the engineers in the crowd.:D I will consider it a successful test if I don't end up on my bum!
It looks like we test the same way.:D I have 3 nights on these things so far with no problems.
TinaLouise
05-23-2009, 07:43
I went and ordered 2 sets of the drip rings this morning
I Did Too :rolleyes:
cavediver2
05-23-2009, 17:26
this has been a good post to follow good job youal
hangnout
05-25-2009, 10:46
I have a couple more nights on these. Last night I got really brave and used Amsteel Gray 2.8 with this setup. Amsteel is really slick so I was not sure if it would work. I knew that if it did slip it would be slow. I did not have any problems but will need to use in the rain to make sure it does not slip when wet before giving the Amsteel a thumbs up.
I think the best thing about this setup is that new Clark owners who use this will find the first hangs more enjoyable due the quick adjustments they can make without hassling with knots etc. I think many new Clark owners just end up using a bad setup the first few times. With this setup they can try different tensions with a couple second adjustment.
Suggestion:
Position drip ring about a 1/3 distance from tree going toward hammock. Pull the free end of rope back thru drip ring before tying off with the half hitches. You may have lots of rope hanging free on a close hang. This will keep you from running out of adjustment room as you pull drip ring toward hammock.
Also if you have some of the really old drip rings that are just straight tubes I would not suggest using those due to cutting into rope. I am dating myself just by mentioning those.:D Your Clark might be considered a collectible if you have some like that. Not sure when Clark switched to the current rings.
Pardon my ignorance :o- I'm new and haven't actually managed more than a ten minute hang yet, but these look easier to use than the rings system so might buy some.
My questions are: are they actually supposed to stop drips somehow? If they are supposed to stop the rope seeping water into the hammock, wouldn't they need to be under the tarp rather than close to the tree?
photomankc
05-26-2009, 10:55
Pardon my ignorance :o- I'm new and haven't actually managed more than a ten minute hang yet, but these look easier to use than the rings system so might buy some.
My questions are: are they actually supposed to stop drips somehow? If they are supposed to stop the rope seeping water into the hammock, wouldn't they need to be under the tarp rather than close to the tree?
Yeah they are supposed to have the rope looped through them and that causes the water to drip off instead of following the rope down. When I didn't use them I seemed to get water that sheeted down more than wicked down in a heavy 2 day rain. I called up Clark and asked for a set as they were not shipping them with the hammocks at the time. With the rings in place that stopped. I imagine they would stop sheeting even if they were out a bit from the tarp. I would personally prefer they stay under though. Having had my hammock and clothes in the pockets soaked once in a cold rain I don't want to repeat that again....ever.