Why knots are not recommended in Amsteel or similar lines

[UrsaMajor1887]

I have been using Amsteel for the last year in continuous loops (CL)on my WBBB with Dutch hooks (DH) on my whoopies (WS). The hook always hits the same point on the CL and was concerned that may be causing a weak spot. The DHs are on the adjustable part of the WS so when they are adjusted, they hitting a different point on the line. So, I have been, occasionally, adjusting the CLs some of the (DH) is not always hitting in the same spot. Depending on how much you use your hammock, I guess the wear on the lines would very, but for the use I get out of my hammock, I think I will be changing out all the lines annually. Amsteel doesn't cost that much and I enjoy splicing it.

Thanks for posting the article. Its always great to see some data on what we are doing. I don't ever remember wetting a knot, so I learned something there too.

I have use Marlin Spike Hitch in Amsteel and spent the night hanging from it without a problem, but I only weigh 170 pounds.

[QiWiz]

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.

another name is a ring hitch; there may be more

[Rob In AL]

I've been thinking the same thing about trying to simplify and using dyneema or amsteel.

I do have an idea and was going to make a couple of samples and send it to a couple of the big fellas out there to give it a trial run.

<raises hand> I'm about 3 hrs from you (depending on Atlanta traffic) and willing to be a "lab rat" in the name of science if you let me do my own rigging.

[Mouseskowitz]

There is some new info pertaining to this subject. The short version is that what we refer to as a "larks head" is actually referred to as a sling by Sampson. In our common application a sling will retain greater than 100% of the single line breaking strength. For the full discussion read over here. Unfortunately I can't go back and edit my initial post to add this info there.

[rledge21]

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!

So did the cord break, or did the knot slip?

In regards to slipping - I had been using a bowline w/ some 7/64 Amsteel on part of my turtlelady-style hammock stand, but it would tend to slip sometimes. So I learned how to tie a Zeppelin Bend & haven't had a problem since. Also using the Zeppelin Bend on my ridgeline at the moment.

[webhanger]

Ok now I'm rethinking how I am attaching my ridgeline. Total noob to amsteel and I like the stealth of using knots over hardwear. Whoopie slings make setup quick and easy. I tend to go heavy when I am hanging for safety factor. My paranoid side goes to 1/8th amsteel, not enough weight difference to make me concerned as I am not a huge weight weenie (but I am trying to lose a few pounds).

Is there any data on how this stuff handles while frozen (other than difficult or impossible to adjust)? Does it affect the amsteel in a way that would compromise the strength in any way? What about flexing while frozen?

[gmcttr]

...Is there any data on how this stuff handles while frozen (other than difficult or impossible to adjust)? Does it affect the amsteel in a way that would compromise the strength in any way? What about flexing while frozen?

It's good down to at least -193*F.........How low can you go?............http://www.samsonrope.com/Documents/...UN2009_WEB.pdf

[webhanger]

It's good down to at least -193*F.........How low can you go?............http://www.samsonrope.com/Documents/...UN2009_WEB.pdf

Not that low (for long anyways)? I just kicked it out on a new thread as to not derail this one.

[dirtwheels]

As I read the post in this thread the same question Mad posed seems to be the most significant derating factor to those who follow the hammock suspension norms in regards to splicing. I would love to see data on rope failures based on what the spliced loop was supported by.

Any hammock wizards have that on hand?

Since we hammockers mostly splice our lines, the thing that worries me is the turn radius around whatever we are attaching to. Whether that be a carabiner, whoopie hook, elephant trunk or other hardware, I think it derates the line similar to a knot. In this case, the failure won't be from slipping but from a line break.

That being said, Dynaglide on a whoopie hook has been holding up my 200 pounds for over a year.

[gmcttr]

As I read the post in this thread the same question Mad posed seems to be the most significant derating factor to those who follow the hammock suspension norms in regards to splicing. I would love to see data on rope failures based on what the spliced loop was supported by.

Any hammock wizards have that on hand?

...over here...

It's all in the thread Mousekowitz linked. In particular see post #'s 6,
27, 28 and 39 for info direct from Samson Rope.