Tools needed to do suspensions and such?

**Stormstaff** · 07-13-2011, 12:25

I'm very new to all this so please forgive my "noobness".

I've seen in vids where folks are using what looks to be a plastic needle with a big eye when using hollow cordage. What's it called and where do you get them?

What other tools would be needed when working on suspensions, ridgelines, etc?

Dutch was gracious enough to gift this noob with whoopie's, loops, ridgelines, biners, etc but there's a couple of loops with brummels I have to do myself if I understand correctly.

I'm trying not to bury Dutch with pm's about the little things, hehe.

If you see this Dutch, thanks again brother!

Kirk

**DemostiX** · 07-13-2011, 12:43

Knitting needles, crochet hooks, big darning needles and tape are used here. I should get a Dritz tool or fashion a fish-tape of a loop of thin bare wire.

Sharp, sharp knife or snap-off Exacto-type blades. Indelible ink markers.

And, rarely mentioned if you are tying stopper knots are some tools to set them hard: Vice-grip pliers and screwdrivers.

**chickenwing** · 07-13-2011, 13:22

I use a Utility Razor Knife and some folded over florist's wire

**mwig50** · 07-13-2011, 13:31

I am new as well, but wanted to add that while I used the yarn darning needle to make my first whoopie slings, I have since found some big tapestry needles that seem work better for me.

**hippofeet** · 07-13-2011, 14:38

A common tool for working knots is a FID. Some have an "eye" that can be used for using the fid as a wrench to turn the bolt on shackles, or running separated strands through for splicing. You get a fid at a marine supply or rope specialty store. Mine is stainless, heavy, and too large for anything smaller than 1/4 inch. It came with a Meyerco Dive knife. For hammock suspension rope, I use regular baling wire, and stainless steel aircraft safety wire. The stainless safety wire is basically indestructible and can be bent and rebent many times before it croaks due to fatigue. I think everyone who answered is correct, and I would use whatever I had on hand, but I like the rolls of wire... many uses. (besides safety wiring nuts). If you want to get fancy, Mudhole Custom Tackle sells a tool called a "little blue bender". Made for bending loops in fine wire. Also stainless and titanium (hard to bend) wire and all the tools associated.

**blkx01** · 07-13-2011, 14:47

try fids
check my previous post on splicing hollow core. The fids make all the splicing very simple. Making the grip fids ...well the video will show how easy that is.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...t=32128&page=2