Why difference between 7/64th and 1/8th?

**cougarmeat** · 12-07-2013, 18:22

When I was looking at AmSteel, I saw that our usual 7/64ths is rated about 1600 lbs and costs just under 30 cents a foot. But 1/8th AmSteel is rated about 2600 lb and costs 45 cents a foot. One little 1/64ths difference and it adds 1000 lbs to the rating and increases the cost 50%.

Why is that?

My guess is the size moves from 8 main strands to 12 or more main strands. We don't have a lot of retail resources in central Oregon so I can't just buy a foot and look at it myself.

I'm just surprised that most on the forum go for 7/64ths when it seems you get so much more with 1/8th. Sure the cost is a bit more, but for the 10 or 20 ft we usually work with, it is still reasonable.

So is it just a matter of cost, or is there another reason why 7/64ths is favored?

**nuttysquirrel** · 12-07-2013, 18:29

i have whoopies made from both 1/8'' and 7/64'', the ones made from 1/8'' seem to slip alot more even though the have the same length, so i'm sticking with 7/64''

**darkbyrd** · 12-07-2013, 18:30

7/64 gets the job done for us with no extra weight. I'd get 3/32 for myself if they sold it, but I guess that is called dynaglide

**Floridahanger** · 12-07-2013, 18:38

The weight savings and bulk are the difference. Price is a given for savings as well.

Remember, the savings in bulk from 7/64 whoopies to 7/64 UCR's (utility constrictor rope) is enough to get some or a lot of folks to make the switch.

From 1/8 whoopie to 7/64 UCR is considerable in bulk savings(pack space) and weight. Why that's, at least, a peanutbutter poptart space. Maybe potted meat with mustard on a couple of tortillas, even.

**gargoyle** · 12-07-2013, 18:47

Originally Posted by darkbyrd

7/64 gets the job done for us with no extra weight. I'd get 3/32 for myself if they sold it, but I guess that is called dynaglide

It works. I've been hanging on DG for a few years now. No issues....at least with the DG.

**MDSH** · 12-07-2013, 19:01

Setting up the last couple of days, experimenting in frigid temps with cold fingers, I found that my 1/8" UCRs did not hold well. Threading my UL mule tape suspension was a pain, too, but that will be solved with Dutch clips.

In the meantime, switched over to the strap and buckles from Warbonnet -- I like them a lot. Have huge Ti carabineers on the tree end and CAMP Nanos at the hammock. Easy to rig and holds solid with buckles in the cold when time fiddling is time in pain!

.

**gmcttr** · 12-07-2013, 19:02

50% more strands, ~50% higher breaking strength, 50% higher cost...looks right in line to me. What doesn't look right is your pricing.

Buy your amsteel at Redden Marine and it is $0.23 and $0.34. Use HammockForums as a coupon code and save another 5%.

**HanginBear** · 12-07-2013, 19:10

Originally Posted by gmcttr

50% more strands, ~50% higher breaking strength, 50% higher cost...looks right in line to me. What doesn't look right is your pricing.

Buy your amsteel at Redden Marine and it is $0.23 and $0.34. Use HammockForums as a coupon code and save another 5%.

Thank you for the heads up on the coupon code.

**oldbiker** · 12-07-2013, 19:19

I've made 1 set from 1/8 and several from 7/64. I find the 7/64 much easier to build anything from. I use my thermometer from my Turkey fryer for an Awl and it works great on it. Not so much on the 1/8 as everything I've tried splits the strands and hangs on the 1/8.

Robert