Question on garda hitch with rings

**nickelanddime** · 11-07-2007, 13:21

thanks for the info on twisting the webbing, very useful.

as far as aluminum goes, the big box hardware stores usually carry something for a jacked up price(still under $10 though). I work for a machine shop so I get all the scrap I like, I'd suggest checking out a scrap yard for selection's sake if you can't find what you want at the stores(it's cheaper too)

**Patrick** · 11-07-2007, 13:29

I tried Home Depot at lunch. They had some AL bar, but it was too narrow or not thick enough. I found what seems like a good place on-line last night: http://www.onlinemetals.com

I ordered several feet of 3/16" 6061 T6, which is supposed to be very strong, for about $18 delivered. Should get here next week sometime. I think I'm going to make a homemade cleat that has two slots for threading the strap through.

I'll play with the rings in the meantime, but I really like the idea of the cleat. It seems more secure to me and, even over-built for peace of mind, I think I can do it lighter

**kohburn** · 11-07-2007, 13:47

i've been using online metals for years. they aren't cheap but they are extremely convenient for small quantities.

i have other sources for 7075 blocks for milling (milling 7075 is like milling steal compared to butteryness of 6061)

**Patrick** · 11-07-2007, 14:06

Ah, I'm glad they're a reputable place. My only concern is that they're in Seattle, so it'll probably take forever to get here. I'm not so good with the patience.

I thought it might be a bit expensive, but anything under $20 pretty much slips under the radar anyway.

Maybe I'll grab some 7075 to mess with next time. I was considering it, but everyone seemed to be using the 6061 and I thought it might be tougher to work with. My poor Dremel's already going to get quite a workout, I'm guessing.

**Rapt** · 11-07-2007, 14:22

6061 is more common and less expensive than 7075. As well as slightly less tough and strong.

Most high strength applications use 6061 since its easier to source and less expensive.

**skar578** · 11-08-2007, 20:54

wow. thats nice. I think a mooring hitch would work well, they cinch apun weight, and release easily.

**nickelanddime** · 11-09-2007, 11:23

wow, after looking up the mooring hitch I think I might need to replace my normal quick release knot(expoding half hitch? see gallery) with it. I've never had my usual knot come undone but it's nice to see that the mooring hitch has twice the pinch points

**Just Jeff** · 11-18-2007, 21:04

This is crazy - I hadn't read this thread or the other one, but I have been thinking of ways to use cord with a quick-adjust, but w/o making a new gadget. The garda hitch looks like it'll work great.

Found another easy way this weekend using one ring and the Spectra...I'll post pics in another thread when I download them. Not sure it's any easier than this method, but it only uses one ring.

Question - does the type of cord matter with the garda hitch? I'm thinking high-friction stuff like braided sheaths vs slippery stuff like the BPL Air Core.

**hangnout** · 11-18-2007, 21:12

I have been using the garda hitch for a while now. It does work better with a cord that has some grip. I have tried it with my bare spectra and I have to put the stopper knot in for sure. It works great with the stock HH line.

**hangnout** · 11-18-2007, 21:15

Found another easy way this weekend using one ring and the Spectra...I'll post pics in another thread when I download them. Not sure it's any easier than this method, but it only uses one ring.

Looking forward to the pics. I have thought about using one ring on one end to cinch up too and leave the double rings on the other end for small adjustments.