Untying Amsteel (aka Rookie Mistake)

**KirkHangsley** · 11-21-2014, 09:44

I've made a rookie mistake..don't worry it was before I found the Forums.

But I've tied knots in my amsteel in intervals of about 1.5 ft. I've got two lines running parallel and they have been tied alongside each other in standard overhand knots. The problem is I've laid in my hammock with this as the suspension so the knots have gotten very tight. I can't get fingernails under the knots, even if I could I don't think I would have the finger strength to loose them. I thought of using needlenose pliers to grab it, but I'm afraid that will injure the amsteel.

Any ideas would be highly appreciated!

**wolf8895** · 11-21-2014, 09:48

I've used a large nail to wedge into the knots or if out on the trail, I've sharpened a stick with my knife to wedge into the knot. Anything to force the knot to loosen should work.

**Thumbs** · 11-21-2014, 10:02

Dutch can probably have some new line there before you can get the knots out....

**JasonACraft** · 11-21-2014, 10:13

Originally Posted by Thumbs

Dutch can probably have some new line there before you can get the knots out....

+1 to this. I've done the same thing and used this solution as my first Dutch purchase.

**KirkHangsley** · 11-21-2014, 10:21

My problem is alleviated. Based off of what Thumbs said...

Originally Posted by Thumbs

Dutch can probably have some new line there before you can get the knots out....

I figured I could use the needlenose pliers and if my cord becomes too weak then I'll just buy some more from Dutch. Knots are coming out quickly, a couple minutes a piece!

**Bubba** · 11-21-2014, 10:58

Any particular reason you are using knots instead of splicing? If you are going to order from Dutch look at the speed hooks.

**Dark&Stormy** · 11-21-2014, 11:23

With amisteel splicing is the better way to go.

As for getting out knots an awl with a rounded point should slip in. I've done this before with mine.

**Dead Man** · 11-21-2014, 11:45

Originally Posted by KirkHangsley

My problem is alleviated. Based off of what Thumbs said...
I figured I could use the needlenose pliers and if my cord becomes too weak then I'll just buy some more from Dutch. Knots are coming out quickly, a couple minutes a piece!

Kirk let me know how much you need. I may have enough extra laying around to hook you up, no pun intended.

**KirkHangsley** · 11-21-2014, 13:00

I was using knots instead of splicing because when I first got my hammock, I had no idea about anything. Knots seemed the most expedient way to unpack my hammock and get my feet off of the ground ASAP! (who doesn't want to hurry into their first hammock?) But I didn't consider that I would want to take the knots out, nor did I consider how difficult they would be to take out.

Yet, I now have all the unwanted knots out and I think I'll try my hand at splicing as soon as I can scrounge up some tools for it: shouldn't be hard, I've got to get some new strings on my guitar.