no cut ridgeline shortening

I thought I would shorten my ridgeline to find my sweet spot.
However, I do not want to cut it. I have no idea what length I will
eventually want, and I may want it back to the original length one day.

So, I got me a small piece of para cord and used it as a nipper.
Here's how I did it:

Step 1 is to pull a bight in the ridgeline about three or four inches
from the existing knot near the end of the hammock.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/p...123763&thumb=1

Step 2 is to tie the other end of the nipper in a stopper knot
just above the existing knot in the ridgeline.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/p...123763&thumb=1

Unless you have claws for fingers, like me, you should do this when
the hammock is not hung. Make sure there are at least four round turns
in the stopper, and they are stacked nice and neat, with a half hitch on
the standing part above them.

Here is a broader view of the finished product. A proper stopper knot
will not slip, but you might want to slide the stopper down so it sits
right on top of the existing knot in the ridgeline.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/p...123763&thumb=1


BTW, I will use a stopper knot at both ends, until I find my sweet spot,
so I can adjust it by sliding the stopper up and down the ridgeline.
Then I will tie the nipper as shown above.

Here's my temporary rig with no shortening.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/p...125790&thumb=1

Here it is with a couple of inches shortened.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/p...125790&thumb=1

The two-stopper method it is inifinitely adjustable,
but you better be confident about your knots!

Good knot action!

Nipper eh? Must be a
Sailor

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sailor

Nipper eh? Must be a Sailor

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My first profession was on the water... have crewed on large, square rigged sailing vessels. I ended up mate on an offshore towing/equipment handling vessel that did all kinds of special things, like working with nuclear submarines at secret locations halfway to Bermuda, delivering equipment to seismic researchers on Georges Banks, baby sitting the "Alvin" while it plunged into the Atlantic Canyon, towing the Tall Ship "Rose", and filming the first movie "Jaws."

you could just tie a sheep shank in the ridge line it's self

A sheep shank would take up a lot of line, but it would be very cool. Just be careful... might fall apart when you remove the load.

I had the same issue the other day. Finally cut the black ENO lines on my hammock and just passed the biner through the hem. Problem was that it added about 6-8 inches to my ridgeline length. I just tied an alpine knot in the middle of the ridgeline. Doesn't effect the strength, and now I have a handy little loop in the middle for hanging crap.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MacEntyre

My first profession was on the water... have crewed on large, square rigged sailing vessels. I ended up mate on an offshore towing/equipment handling vessel that did all kinds of special things, like working with nuclear submarines at secret locations halfway to Bermuda, delivering equipment to seismic researchers on Georges Banks, baby sitting the "Alvin" while it plunged into the Atlantic Canyon, towing the Tall Ship "Rose", and filming the first movie "Jaws."

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All sounds pretty interesting. Hammocks and the water...not new!

A simple butterfly knot could easily shorten a ridgeline and make it possible to reverse with ease. Also gives a convenient hanger!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by asimmons4

A simple butterfly knot could easily shorten a ridgeline and make it possible to reverse with ease. Also gives a convenient hanger!

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...but it is not good for ridgeline length adjustment. What I was after was an arrangement that would allow me to discover the optimal length for my ridgeline. That's why I used a simple stopper knot that will lock when loaded, and will slide when not.

- MacEntyre