New product for Figure 9 users

**nickelanddime** · 02-24-2008, 17:14

looked at the link for the triglides and was left wondering if the edges had been chamfered and if they were anodized?

**deljohnston** · 04-15-2008, 10:06

Well, I FINALLY was able to get out last week and try my custom made hybrid figure nine buckles. Some buddies and I went to the Bankhead National Forest in Northwest Alabama.

Here is a link to my buckles to refresh your memory:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25678659@N05/2415724161/

The new buckles were a DISASTER! I am betting it is because I did not round off the area where the spectra wraps. I figured that it would help to give the spectra some grip. I was hanging in it for about 30 seconds when it made this awful tearing sound and I hit the ground. I had hoped that it just slipped and I needed to retie it. Nope. It SHREDDED my spectra. It did not cut all the way through, but it snapped the outer shell and stretched the inner cord. It looked bad! Luckily, I was able to cut the damaged section out and I used a blood knot to lash the two good parts together. My spectra is about 2 feet shorter on one side, but it is functional. I went back to the Hennessey Lash and all was well the rest of the trip. I will file the rough area down and MAYBE try them again. I still think it would be faster for me if it works.

I have not contacted HH yet. Does anyone know if they make repairs and about how much it costs? I am not brave enough to replace it on my own.

**nickelanddime** · 04-15-2008, 11:02

Hrmm, where was your rough spot? In the hook? It looks chamfered ok... How did you tie it off?

**deljohnston** · 04-15-2008, 11:10

Yeah, it was chamfered, but it was not exactly smooth. I didn't think it was sharp either though. I thought spectra was a bit tougher. You may be able to see the flat area in the photo. Actually, it may be considered more of a bevel than a chamfer. Chamfers are round, right.

I wrapped it exactly the way you would wrap a normal figure nine hook. Then I just used a simple slip not to secure it. The other side held just fine. I may smooth the chamfer and try again one day.

**slowhike** · 04-15-2008, 19:44

sorry to hear that. the buckle looks great.
maybe it would be better to try it near home after you make modifications.

**TiredFeet** · 04-17-2008, 16:10

Learned about the Google patent search and was playing around with it and found this.

If it could be made light enough

, it would work

**TiredFeet** · 04-17-2008, 16:13

This one is a little heavy, but would work great for one tree.

**deljohnston** · 04-17-2008, 16:16

Wow, that is a really nice find! Why reinvent the wheel when someone has already thought of something clever. =) Way to go, TiredFeet!

**nickelanddime** · 04-17-2008, 17:45

it may be considered more of a bevel than a chamfer. Chamfers are round, right.

Sorry, machinist jargon swaps stuff around a little so that your bevel is a chamfer, and your chamfer is a radiused edge... I think a lot of technical jargon panders to the desire to exclude others to feel more unique or superior... anyway I'm good with whatever, if I could find a way to skip jargon altogether and just blast mental images to others life might be easier... it'd make meeting girls interesting too... cut down on misunderstandings between women and men.

I'm not sure if we have a radius tool with a small enough inner diameter here for your part, but if you want to skip the filing I'll have some spare time after school is out and I could crank a couple out for you, just PM me

Learned about the Google patent search and was playing around with it and found this.

If it could be made light enough , it would work

I like that first one, and I think it could definitely be made pretty light.

**Dutch** · 04-17-2008, 17:59

Originally Posted by deljohnston

Yeah, it was chamfered, but it was not exactly smooth. I didn't think it was sharp either though. I thought spectra was a bit tougher. You may be able to see the flat area in the photo. Actually, it may be considered more of a bevel than a chamfer. Chamfers are round, right.

I wrapped it exactly the way you would wrap a normal figure nine hook. Then I just used a simple slip not to secure it. The other side held just fine. I may smooth the chamfer and try again one day.

Tom offered to replace my worn out spectra for $20