Did my first soft shackle tonight. Tis a wee little thing. Started with 18", not enough in 1/8". Needed gmcttr's link. Good confidence builder. I can see where this can be another addiction, in an addiction.
Most of us end up poorer here but richer for being here. Olddog, Fulltime hammocker, 365 nights a year.
Rather than a knot, I like to cut the bury end at a 45 degree, melt the end so that I have a pointy tip, then thread half the strand as close to the tip as I can. Thread the two strands through the needle, and work them through the cord. This way you don't have a bulky knot getting in your way.
Mind you, I only do this because (a) I can't keep the blasted tape on the needle/fid (if I could, it would eliminate an extra step), and (b) the in-laws (where I'm staying for vacation) have not even an inch of wire, which would eliminate the need for a needle altogether.
Looking back at my previous post, I also feel I should clarify. When I said I hang my gear with these, I mean my pack, tarp, and odds and ends. I would never hang a hammock with paracord soft shackles--these are not amsteel. I know you are saying, "Well, duh!" at this, but I feared I may have been too ambiguous earlier, and wanted to avoid any potential heartache (and possible aches south of the heart) that could occur.
Splice on!
You're gonna need a bigger hammock
My problem was actually caused by just cutting at a 45. The solution was to taper by removing strands. I catch the strands with the wire and milk the rope back over it until it pops out.
JaxHiker aka Kudzu - WFA
Florida Trail Association: NE FL Trail Coordinator (Gold Head to Stephen Foster)
Trail Issues? Please let me know.
Blazing Trails with Kudzu @ www.idratherbehiking.com
Follow me @idratherbhiking
I did it! Thanks to a fortuituos combination of your posts and me stumbling across a spool of thin wire in the in-law's basement, I decided to pull out my braided mason's line and give it a whirl--went MUCH easier than my first amsteel attempt (which, admittedly, isn't saying much). Now I don't know if I'll ever leave the basement (my oldest daughter is bringing me meals ).
Thanks for the posts, the information, and the inspiration. Y'all are awesome!
You're gonna need a bigger hammock
w00t!
I predict global rope shortages as we all buy up the supplies.
Last edited by JaxHiker; 07-23-2011 at 14:12.
JaxHiker aka Kudzu - WFA
Florida Trail Association: NE FL Trail Coordinator (Gold Head to Stephen Foster)
Trail Issues? Please let me know.
Blazing Trails with Kudzu @ www.idratherbehiking.com
Follow me @idratherbhiking
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