Straps/webbing question

**Timberrr** · 08-25-2011, 20:08

If I was to use webbing for suspension, what knid of buckle is recommended?
I need to be able to tighten it up when it's under load (hence whoopies are out). I've thought of descender rings but they're tough to get off when under load without doing a quick release bend, which then leads to other problems (slippage and reduced adjustability) - so I'm thinking of some sort of buckle instead. Cam buckle? Is plastic okay or do I need metal? Anything else I need to consider?
Thanks for your help!

**AppalachianHammock** · 08-25-2011, 20:21

Im not aware of any sort of hammock suspension that can be adjusted under load, other then a ratchet strap. Like you strap down cargo with.

**obmit** · 08-25-2011, 20:42

Are you wanting to tighten it without getting out?

**Knotty** · 08-25-2011, 20:50

Cinch buckles, like the ones from onrope1 and some others, can be tightened while under load (within limits). Loosening them usually requires that you take some load off.

I wouldn't trust a cam buckle or anything made of plastic.

**Timberrr** · 08-25-2011, 20:50

Originally Posted by obmit

Are you wanting to tighten it without getting out?

That's a funny picture but no that's not exactly what I'm up to.
I'm working on a rig to hang two hammocks, side by side, from the same two trees. It requires multiple suspension components that can be tightened together. And I do mean tightened - and then tightened some more!

**obmit** · 08-25-2011, 20:54

Based on your question, I was wondering.

Sounds like a ratcheting system would work well but be very heavy.

**Timberrr** · 08-25-2011, 21:10

Originally Posted by nc527

... a ratchet strap. Like you strap down cargo with.

A ratchet would work but I'm envisioning something simpler. (and cheaper - I would need 12 of them!) I'm thinking of a buckle where you can grap the running end of your strap and pull it a little tighter.
Thanks for the suggestions though!

**MAD777** · 08-25-2011, 21:17

I can't WAIT to see the pictures of this one

P.S. Don't hurt Gumbo in the process - she cooks too good!

**obmit** · 08-25-2011, 21:27

Originally Posted by Timberrr

A ratchet would work but I'm envisioning something simpler. (and cheaper - I would need 12 of them!) I'm thinking of a buckle where you can grap the running end of your strap and pull it a little tighter.
Thanks for the suggestions though!

Like this?

**Timberrr** · 08-25-2011, 21:42

Originally Posted by MAD777

I can't WAIT to see the pictures of this one

P.S. Don't hurt Gumbo in the process - she cooks too good!

Alright, since you asked...
(I'll just pretend I didn't see the eyeroll)

First field test - Set up with Whoopies

Notice the three Whoopie Slings, one going up, and one down and one straight out.

It works, but not as well as I am envisioning.

I can't get the whoopies tight enough once they are under load so I want to switch to straps.

And this whole project started as Gumbo's idea!