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  1. #1
    Senior Member Mouseskowitz's Avatar
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    Exclamation Why knots are not recommended in Amsteel or similar lines

    I've seen and been involved in many discussions in the time I've been on the forum about Amsteel. In many of them the idea of knots comes up. The general consensus is that it's not a good idea but I wasn't seeing any hard data.

    Today I was looking for something else and found this paper published by the Oregon Occupational Safety and Heath Administration. On page 17 (p22 of PDF) there is a table showing destructive testing data of several different knots. The numbers are worse than I ever recall anyone speculating. The worst knot tested was an improved (tucked) half blood knot which broke at 20% of catalog minimum. The best was a cow hitch (Lark's Head) which retained and average of 58%.

    The take away point for me is that the average of their testing showed that Amsteel only retains and average of 32% catalog minimum breaking strength when knots are involved.

    Ultimately everyone has to hang their own hammock. I just don't want to see anyone get hurt because they lack knowledge of the limitations of the equipment they are working with.
    Last edited by Mouseskowitz; 04-27-2013 at 15:27. Reason: updated terminology

  2. #2
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    Is there a different name for a lark's head knot?

    I tried to read through, as that is what I would like to use, but I didn't see it mentioned. However, I am kind of new to knot terminology, so I could very well just no know what to look for.

  3. #3
    Senior Member Mouseskowitz's Avatar
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    It looks like a lark's head and cow hitch are the same thing. I'll edit and clarify that.

  4. #4
    Senior Member pgibson's Avatar
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    Larks head, Cow hitch and girth hitch are all three basically the same knot other than how they are formed...you achieve the same finished looking product but get there slightly different for each one. End result and strength will be the same though.
    Arrowhead Equipment -- For all your hammock camping and backpacking gear
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  5. #5
    Senior Member MAD777's Avatar
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    Very informative post!
    Mike
    "Life is a Project!"

  6. #6
    Senior Member Mouseskowitz's Avatar
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    I'm glad others find this as interesting as I do.

  7. #7
    Senior Member d-p's Avatar
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    Best Knots?

    dplightweightbackpackinggear.com

  8. #8
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    I had some extra amsteel left over from some loops I made and just quickly tied the ends together to test some new straps. I managed to sit in the hammock for about 10 minutes until it came undone and the weak point was where the knot was in the amsteel. One bruised elbow & ego later, I was getting up off the ground and making a mental note to not do that again!

  9. #9
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    yeahbut - look at the requirements for climbing. Strength is not listed as they just use big enough ropes. Hammockers looking for ultralight are also pushing for minimum rope sizes.
    YMMV

    HYOH

    Free advice worth what you paid for it. ;-)

  10. #10
    Senior Member Rain Man's Avatar
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    Exclamation

    Quote Originally Posted by Mouseskowitz View Post
    ... there is a table showing destructive testing data of several different knots. The numbers are worse than I ever recall anyone speculating. The worst knot tested was an improved (tucked) half blood knot which broke at 20% of catalog minimum. The best was a cow hitch (Lark's Head) which retained and average of 58%.
    You are correct. Knots weaken ropes considerably. 50% is a rule of thumb, but can go up to 80%, yes.

    But don't forget, hardware can weaken ropes just as much or more. A really sharp bend over an edge or hardware with a small diameter can be worse than a bad knot. Even dynamic forces can permanently weaken a rope.

    So, two lessons: avoid bad knots, bad rigging hardware, and undue dynamic forces, and calculate strength-to-weight ratios at 10-to-1 if you want a decent margin of safety.

    Rain Man

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    "You can stand tall without standing on someone. You can be a victor without having victims." --Harriet Woods

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