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  1. #1
    Senior Member Patrick's Avatar
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    Failure test of homemade buckle

    Yet another post from me.

    Today, I made a pair of aluminum buckle's based on andersj's design (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=2357)

    As promised, I just implemented my Mythbuster's-style test.

    The goal: Simulate my hammock setup with my Civic.

    The buckle is designed to thread onto a tree-hugger. There's a cleat on the other end to attach the hammock line to. I'm using 2.8mm Spyderline, which claims to be rated to 1,200 lbs and 1" Speer polypro webbing.

    I made a prototype buckle yesterday that is almost the same as my final version. The difference is that the "bars" are slightly thinner and the overall buckle is slightly wider. I attached a loop of unused webbing to this and lark's headed it onto the tow loop of my car. Then I got a length of unused Spyderline and tied it to a very sturdy metal pole and lashed the line to the buckle. The resultant setup left the whole thing in a level line.

    I drove very slowly away until I heard a pop. When I checked on it, the line was still attached, but the sheathing had separated. Also, the line had gotten very weird. It had stretched out and become very stiff.

    I tried again, this time just using the core (Dyneema? Very slippery) and heard another pop. This time the line was no longer attached. I couldn't tell if it had broken at the lash or just pulled out. I tied the lash again and threw a couple half hitches in behind it. This time, the line broke clean in the middle.

    Examining the pieces afterwards, everything but the line looked perfect. Zero signs of wear on the webbing or buckle. I traced the buckle beforehand and it showed no change at all. Also, using my counter, I verified that it was still completely flat.

    Based on this, I feel comfortable saying that:

    1. Spyderline is more than strong enough for hammocking.
    2. The buckle is even stronger than that.
    3. Driving at two in the morning until something breaks kicks ***. I wish I was a Mythbuster.

    Obviously, this wasn't a genuinely scientific test and only went through one trial. But it was enough for my peace of mind. I think I'll feel as safe as I ever have hanging over broken glass and crocodiles.

    Have at it, armchair engineers. I still have a buckle to break.

  2. #2
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    that is really good to know. Now I need to choose a setup I like. So many options!

  3. #3
    Senior Member BillyBob58's Avatar
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    What is interesting to me is: The 700 lb Speer webbing held up longer than the 1200 lb Spider line. Would this be due to the knots? But even the webbing also had a larks head. Interesting indeed!

  4. #4
    Senior Member Patrick's Avatar
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    I kind of had a feeling it was going to go that way. The Spyderline broke in the middle, too, not at one of the knots.

  5. #5
    Senior Member NCPatrick's Avatar
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    I think you'd just need to post video of the testing/breaking process, and you can be an honorary mythbuster...

    We have to get you some other myths to bust...


    "Civilization is the limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities."
    - Mark Twain
    “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”
    - John Burroughs

  6. #6
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    That was way cool Patrick, thanks for doing that and sharing it.

  7. #7
    Senior Member Patrick's Avatar
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    No problem - it was a good time. Video is an excellent idea. I'll see if I can do that.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Walking Bear's Avatar
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    You found the weak link in the setup. Good to Know. For safety with your test methods toss a blanket over the setup and then do the test. The blanket will absorb any energy and stop any flying parts.

  9. #9
    Senior Member Patrick's Avatar
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    Good thinking. Although, then I'd never get to answer the question, "What's that big hole in your fender from?"

  10. #10
    Senior Member Iafte's Avatar
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    By video taping it you can also see what is happening just before the "pop". You could also hook another car up instead of the pole and try and tow it down the street and see what happens.

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