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  1. #1
    New Member Apis's Avatar
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    Question Knots In Lieu of Sewn Straps

    So I realize that sewn webbing ends are inherently stronger, but at what point does it become overkill when simply wrapped around a tree? Mountaineers and climbers knotted our runners for decades before commercially sewn quick draws became fashionable on sport climbs.

    Anyone else eschew fashion (sewn straps) for quick & easy knots on straps?
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  2. #2
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    Quote Originally Posted by Apis View Post
    So I realize that sewn webbing ends are inherently stronger, but at what point does it become overkill when simply wrapped around a tree? Mountaineers and climbers knotted our runners for decades before commercially sewn quick draws became fashionable on sport climbs.

    Anyone else eschew fashion (sewn straps) for quick & easy knots on straps?
    It's been talked about before and I know I have made short straps that way. No reason not to.
    YMMV

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

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Apis View Post
    So I realize that sewn webbing ends are inherently stronger, but at what point does it become overkill when simply wrapped around a tree? Mountaineers and climbers knotted our runners for decades before commercially sewn quick draws became fashionable on sport climbs.

    Anyone else eschew fashion (sewn straps) for quick & easy knots on straps?
    yes, I have used knots for years.

    RIdgelines have fairly low tension compared to hammock straps, so I use bull line (another brand of mule tape) with a series of alpine butterflies on the loose end , and a bowline for the anchor around each tree, the tie the tarp ridgeline to that. makes a grat no tie solution when sub freezing or reaching over poison ivy.

    When hiking instead of car camping, I used a bull knot (a sort of chased overhand knot used for sling construction or to affix to the cable sock) in the end of a 2" strap before I got around to sewing a loop in the end (easier than changing all the settings on the wife's thread injector, then remembering to set i back up for her projects, especially since it always needs cleaning, adjusting, and oiling by the time I get to it.)

    As a kid in the 60s, I used a moring hitch around the tree when alone, or a clove hitch and binder when with other kids when hammock camping.

    Knots are quick, easy, and reliable when you are used to them. Different knots for different applications and different materials, but always something that will work. They do typically require a lot more strap (or line as the case may be) than sewing, so for gram weenies or tired old goats, sewing looks better and better... By the way, there are some knots that do not reduce line strength any more than sewing, you just have to search them out and remember to use them.


    Most of the quick easy effective ones kill 50% or more of strength - anything with a tight bend in the know falls in this category.

  4. #4
    Senior Member UncleClark's Avatar
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    I use climb rated tape with a loop created using a bowline knot. Never had an issue hanging my hammocks this way.

  5. #5
    Senior Member Rat's Avatar
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    No problem; just use a waterknot for the webbing.
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    "I aim to misbehave." - Capt. Mal Reynolds
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  6. #6
    Senior Member Loki's Avatar
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    Yep, as long as the knot-derated webbing strength still gives ample protection. Have often used and still sometimes use a waterknot at end of climbing rated mil-spec(low stretch) webbing for my tree straps. Like the mil-spec because it stretches very little.
    - Loki my videos
    "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
    Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.
    The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy,
    while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn." — John Muir


  7. #7
    Senior Member skwatupu's Avatar
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    I haven't had any issues using a bowline knot on the end of my 1in poly tree straps. This is to eliminate the need for hardware to connect the strap around the tree. Toss the strap around, pass the running end through the bowline, and tighten around the tree. Pick up a stick and tie the marlin spike hitch to hang the Whoopie sling.

  8. #8
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    Wondering how much does using a truckers hitch on one end of tree strap degrade the strap's load limit? (in lieu of using heavy steel hardware...)

  9. #9
    Member FlightMedic's Avatar
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    Most of my hammock suspension has been made up of old climbing webbing that I tied and used for lead protection before I could afford to buy commercial sewn runners and dog bones (quick draws). I don't use it for climbing anymore but it has plenty of life left in it for bearing loads that aren't being shocked by falls.

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