Hennessey rope to strap conversion

[Jsaults]

My buckles and chain link s came in from AHE (thanks!) and I have tried my idea on one end. No weight applied yet, still have to thread the centerline and install the end caps & snakeskins.

But it looks like it will work.

One niggling worry: One Big Guy vs a single piece of Amsteel passing through the buckles. Yes, I know it is as strong as steel. Yes, I know it is abrasion-resistant. But I still have this gnawing feeling that the buckle end could use a thimble or a reinforcing sleeve.

Hold my hand. Reassure me.

Jim

[angrysparrow]

That will work, and will hold you fine.

However, I think I would use the Amsteel to create a lark's head on the buckles. It would put more surface area of the cording in touch with the metal, thus spreading out the force a little more.

Like the left side of this -

[pgibson]

Jim, it looks just right. No worry's some of the biggest guys out there are now hanging on them just as you have in your picture. With these buckles you do not want to larks head them as the plates need to have more free movement then a larks head would allow. Then need to be able to slide with no constriction on them. They have been tested up to the failure rating of the amsteel and webbing always broke first. Also the free slide on the buckles is what allows them to not need a back up knot, and for safest use you should not use one. It can twist the webbing in the plates and cause them to fail. Have fun and get that rig hung up.

Paul

[Bubba]

I'm a big guy and have been hanging on the cinch buckles and amsteel with no worries. One good principle to keep in mind if you are really worried is never hang where you are not willing to fall. Hang low and above soft ground until you build up some confidence in you gear. After a while your worries should go away.

[Knotty]

Jim, it looks just right. No worry's some of the biggest guys out there are now hanging on them just as you have in your picture. With these buckles you do not want to larks head them as the plates need to have more free movement then a larks head would allow. Then need to be able to slide with no constriction on them. They have been tested up to the failure rating of the amsteel and webbing always broke first. Also the free slide on the buckles is what allows them to not need a back up knot, and for safest use you should not use one. It can twist the webbing in the plates and cause them to fail. Have fun and get that rig hung up.

Paul

Good info Paul. Like AS, I would have been inclined to suggest a larks head attachment but as usual you've done your homework and determined what works best with your hardware.

[Jsaults]

Today I had just enough time to set the HH up, adjust the buckles. sit in it as a chair, adjust the buckles for stretch, re-sit, and de-set everything and run for my car to hide from the torrential downpour/thunder/lightning storm. Been raining ever since.

Buckles from AHE? Good. Easy to adjust. Total non-slip and no need for a slippery half hitch as Paul predicted.

Chain Links from AHE? Good. I was surprised at how little actual tightening about the gather actually took place. I really didn't have enough time to swing & sway, but the whole system is very low stretch. And that is with a Big Guy hanging on single sections of polypro webbing.

Diab: Look closely at the picture in my original post. The free bight of the Chain Link essentially follows the path of the original HH threading. Through the hole closest to the end, through the second hole, around the gathered fabric, through the first hole in the opposite diretion of the initial threading, and the bight loops over the buckle bight.

I suggest taking pictures of the HH knot, or at least making sketches. It looks confusing, but makes sense when done.

Jim

[seawolf]

My buckles and chain link s came in from AHE (thanks!) and I have tried my idea on one end. No weight applied yet, still have to thread the centerline and install the end caps & snakeskins.

But it looks like it will work.

One niggling worry: One Big Guy vs a single piece of Amsteel passing through the buckles. Yes, I know it is as strong as steel. Yes, I know it is abrasion-resistant. But I still have this gnawing feeling that the buckle end could use a thimble or a reinforcing sleeve.

Hold my hand. Reassure me.

Jim

How long are the chain links? Thanks.

[pgibson]

How long are the chain links? Thanks.

Those would have been the "long"(20" end to end) It gives you the right lenght for the HH's that need the extra raps around like in the picture. For all others the regular (10")length is fine.

[Jsaults]

Absolutely perfect for the HH application.

I will take AHE's advice and give them a test this weekend. (carefully, of course!)

Jim

BTW, I first tried descending rings as buckles, using 1100# polypro webbing from NRS. I had previously used NRS boat straps, and didn't take into account the difference in friction between used straps and new material from the mill. After entering the hammock, I sensed a slooooow descent to the ground as the silicone-coated webbing slipped through. Easily solved with a half hitch, but the AHE buckles are much more directionally stable. Wish I had a video......

[seawolf]

Those would have been the "long"(20" end to end) It gives you the right lenght for the HH's that need the extra raps around like in the picture. For all others the regular (10")length is fine.

Thanks Paul & Jim.