Yup, Aluminium arrows sizes are identified with 4 numbers printed on the shaft*such as 1816. This means the arrow has an outside diameter of 18/64" and a wall thickness of 20 one thousands of an inch.
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I went to Menards (Home depot, Lowes, same thing) to their materials section. They usually carry angle iron, tubing, rod, in both aluminum and steel. I bought the 1/2'' Al. tubing to make mine. Never had any issues and they weigh next to nothing (about .3 oz for 2-4'' toggles with a loop of kelty trip tease connected).
I had a similar issue with my homemade toggles. I determined that my webbing was bunching up as I created my marlin spike hitch where the webbing wraps around the toggle. That was creating a much smaller surface area that was contacting the toggle, so when weight was applied, the knot cinched down tighter on the toggle with a small surface area, thus contributing to a collapsing toggle. It didn't actually fail, mind you, it was just an observation that I made so I discarded the toggles. BTW, I weigh about 250.
I use a cut down aluminum Slurpee straw from 7-11. Have a look at my photo gallery. There is a close up of the straw. When I first started using it, I was at 240lbs. I've lost weight and have no fears now.
good info guys. this was my first arrow toggle attempt. i still think im stickin to my biners. makes me feel better when layin down.
I have been watching this thread with interest as I awaiting the arrival of my whoopee slings (and some other cool gear from AHE).
I scored some arrow shafts from a mate at work that I’ll give a go – all be it hanging ever so close to the ground.
I measured them on the weekend and they are aluminum, wall wide of .7mm and shaft diameter of 1cm. (sorry about the metric numbers guys).
I’ll give you a update, should only be days away.. Surly.. Is that the mail man?