Prusik Knot Line Material

[Cuthalion]

I put up my first tarp this afternoon, using a continuous 7/64 Amsteel Blue ridgeline. Being a noob, I wasn't 100% sure of what type of line to use for the prusik knot. I ended up trying #18 twisted mason line and have noticed a little bit of give with added tension to the tarp.

Is there any functional difference between twisted and braided mason line?
If so, which is better?

Or...are there line materials out there that are better than the mason line?

If not, will an extra loop on the Prusik make up for any sliding of the knot along the ridgeline?

Thanks for any advice on this.

[FLRider]

I haven't used mason's line with Amsteel, so I can't comment on that...

However, braided mason's line has a much lower tendency to unravel. You can use twisted mason's line, but you have to "cut" it with a heat source rather than a blade. I usually use a zippo or a tea light. Heat the line over the flame until it starts to melt a bit, then pull it apart. It'll keep the line from unraveling.

This is good with braided mason's line, as well.

As far as grabbing in a Prusik knot, extra wraps always can help some. I'm unsure as to whether it will grab Amsteel particularly well, though; by all accounts, Amsteel is pretty slick stuff. It might be worth trying a Klemheist knot, as well. I found that these grab a little better. However, they are directional rather than symmetric knots, so be sure you tie them in the right direction.

Hope it helps!

[oldgringo]

Mason line isn't very "grippy".

Otoh, Speer no-tangle, or the equivalent, holds 'till it thunders.

[ernesthemmingway]

My experience has been that as the diameter of your prussik line gets smaller, it grips your ridgeline better. In other words, The bigger the difference is between your prusik line and ridgeline diameters, the stronger hold youll have.

Right now Im using some tiny line that came with an ENO bug net on a paracord ridgeline and it grips really well. I figure if the lightweight prusik line breaks in a strong wind, better the line than my tarp. Anyways im starting to ramble, I tend to do that when I talk about prusiks. Good Luck with your tarp!

[SilvrSurfr]

Just my opinion, but 7/64 Amsteel is overkill for a tarp ridgeline (unless you're going to be sleeping on the tarp). You don't need the strength of Amsteel for a tarp ridgeline, and it's more expensive and heavier than 1.75 mm Zing It. A 180 ft. roll of Zing It is $21 at Redden Marine.

I haven't used Mason Line for prusiks, but Zing It holds fine prusiked onto a Zing It or Amsteel Blue ridgeline. I use it for all my ridgelines.

[SilvrSurfr]

And for the record, my first tarp ridgeline was also Amsteel Blue!

[SmokeBait]

Try the extra turn on the first. It may just do the trick and might enable you to use line you all ready have.

[JohnSawyer]

Mason's line will hold, and yes, braided is much better...

An extra wrap or two is good, but the Klemheist knot is better...

http://www.animatedknots.com/klemheist/

It holds in only one direction, where the prusik holds in either...

[dant8ro]

I have dynaglide on dynaglide for my tarp ridge line (same diameter) which is a no-no (minimizes the grip). 4 wraps of the prussik and I've never had an issue, or a complaint from those who I've made CRLs for. Plus I love the electric green look.

This is actually a picture of my tarp. I was so stoked when Paul used it:

http://arrowheadequipment.webs.com/a...s/show/3007941

If you click on the snow picture you can see it hung "under".

Dan.

[dragon360]

I have used zing-it, speer no tangle and dacron line for prussiks and all work well. I also have braided mason's line and it has worked just as well for me as the above.