Mini-spreader bar on End Channel Hammock

[joe_guilbeau]

This has been some interesting reading, and eloquent solutions have been put forth. We stand on the shoulders of those who come before us.

With that being said, I am not much of a wood worker nor have a work shop in the garage. After musing over this for some time I decided on using some Easton Nano 10-inch tent stakes that I have on hand, but quickly realized that they would certainly fail due to the forces applied.

My thoughts were to use a titanium rod to strengthen the mini spreader bar, and see if 8 to 10 inches might work out well on a Tablecloth crinkle taffeta 135”x90” that I had channels sewn in.

I chose a small channel of about ½” thinking that the 90” width would bunch up nicely and prevent the cloth from shifting on the smooth surface of the anodized aluminum stake.

Galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals (7075 Easton T-6 Aluminum) and (Titanium Grade 5 round rod, unpolished (Mill) finish, annealed Mil T-9047/AMS 4928, of 0.25-inch diameter) can be a problem even if the aluminum stake is anodized.

Home Depot had the Rust-Oleum Self Etching Primer to solve this with a bit of light sanding of the titanium rod, and they also have the Loctite Metal/Concrete 2-part epoxy (rated at 3200 lbs).

Here is an image before treating the titanium rod that shows how the 90-inch width of the Taffeta material bunches up in the ½” channel to prevent fabric walk on the aluminum stake.

Double click image to zoom in on the stitching and the beveled holes in the tent stake heads. Also note that if the Easton 11-inch stakes are used the head design will nicely assist the fabric from walking if some heat shrink is applied to hold the end of the channels.
Mini Spreader Bar.jpg.jpg

Here is how the aluminum and titanium compare in terms of design characteristics...
http://www.makeitfrom.com/compare-ma...56400-Titanium

I will probably upgrade the stake to the 11-inch Easton Aluminum due to head design and I can always cut it to size.
http://www.eastonpoles.com/img/camp-anchor-stake.jpg

I like using 1/8-inch Dyneema Gray and will do long bury loops to attach to the end points with two Petzl Ange S lightweight (28g) carabiners rated at 20kN.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...tart=0&ndsp=19

Check out the Outdoor Gear Lab review of the Petzl...
http://youtu.be/Dv4jhNTrxgU

Almost forgot, a butane torch lighter was used to heat the tent stake heads, with a nail inserted to twist once heated, comes off very easily.

I am 205 lbs and there is no appreciable flexing that I can determine.

[joe_guilbeau]

I couldn't resist...doh!

skylotec-h151-02-1200x1200.jpg

[Redoleary]

I couldn't resist...doh!

skylotec-h151-02-1200x1200.jpg

That's what I need right there!

[Loki]

I couldn't resist...doh!

skylotec-h151-02-1200x1200.jpg

Ok. Got a link for those?

[Mouseskowitz]

Ok. Got a link for those?

It only weighs a pound. http://www.pksafety.com/skylotec-carabiner-h-151.html

[joe_guilbeau]

It only weighs a pound. http://www.pksafety.com/skylotec-carabiner-h-151.html

...AND a price of $70.00, but hey...

This very large, rounded, lightweight aluminum carabiner is an ideal attachment device for a variety of at height jobs. The large gate is easy to grip and twist. Even though it's a large device, it feels comfortable in your hand. A raised flange on the outside of the spine provides a good grip.

The self-closing and self-locking twist-lock gate has an opening of 2 inches. The carabiner itself is large, measuring 9.3 inches in length by 5.6 inches wide. Aluminum construction keeps the weight down compared with oversized steel carabiners.

Skylotec hardware is manufactured to the highest possible standards and is tested to provide both safety and comfort.

Key Features:
9.3 in. overall
2 in. gate opening
Meets OSHA and ANSI standards for fall protection
Easy to operate
23 kN vertical strength (5171 lbs.)
Super lightweight
Total Weight:
15.8 oz.

Part Number:
H-151

Pair two of those with two of these and it's a pretty easy hang, albeit somewhat overkill, but fast!

http://www.rockandice.com/gear-revie...hain-TWIST.jpg

[bigsig11010]

I tried this with a 12" piece of all threads with eye hooks added on the ends but when weight was applied it pulled the ends together and made it a really skinny U. Some help but not what I had hoped.

[bigsig11010]

Im curious about how the curved clew worked and how would you attach it to a gathered end hammock or channel end hammock upon completion.

[joe_guilbeau]

Im curious about how the curved clew worked and how would you attach it to a gathered end hammock or channel end hammock upon completion.

I have heard of Clews in the Sailboat world, what are you thinking about?

[Foxpoop]

I just read the whole thread. Here is my new suspension based on the Petzl attaché carabiner (Metolius Element will work, too), but using the principles of the single ring suspension found here: https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=62266

My favorite hammock is a BIAS WWM 11' x 60". I still had some calf ridge issues, though.

So... I ran a Petzl Atache' through each channel so that the side without the gate would be aligned like I sleep (head left-feet right. I wanted those extra forces to help tighten the "hitch".

Next I used an 8' long piece of 1/8" Amsteel with a locked Brummell on one end and back-spliced on the tag end.

I girth hitched the Brummell loop to the gate side of the carabiner then ran the standing end across to the other side, capturing the loop on my Zing-It ridgeline in the middle.

Next, I started making loops around the non-gate side up to the top of the carabiner. I left the sixth loop long (this is what goes to my MSH, or in my case a carabiner on my tree hugger).

Then I brought the free end down and started alternating under then over the loops on the Petzl.

To lengthen the suspension, just hold the Petzl and pull out some slack on the big loop.

To shorten just pull on the free end.

Results: almost no ridge and much more comfort. I haven't weighed it, yet. I like having the adjustment right at the end of the hammock. It will always be under my tarp and will also serve as a drip line.

Whaddya think?