Aluminum Marlin Spike Toggles

**cougarmeat** · 07-02-2014, 22:24

I just cut down some wood dowels. I sanded them a bit. put a little spray varnish on them and drilled a hole through one end so put a little cord loop. The loop keeps them on a biner that goes with the tree strap and can also go around the toggle as a "keeper" for the whoopie sling loop. But as was said a few posts above, because there has been so much emphasis on "strength" in this discussion - the whoop sling goes on the knot, NOT on the toggle.

**kayak4water** · 07-03-2014, 02:16

I've used wood dowels, carbon arrow shaft and aluminum tent stakes. I'll soon glue hardwood dowels into the carbon toggles for that extra something. all good

**jolunder** · 07-03-2014, 05:01

My toggle of choice are stics I find when setting up - because it's lighter than all other and more convenient (to me).

**SonOfMartin** · 07-03-2014, 09:14

After much experimentation with the MSH using carabiners, sticks, tent pegs, I've decided on aluminum arrow shafts about 3 inches long. I drilled a hole and ran some kevlar thread (see your fly tying friends for a piece) and tied them to my straps. Can't misplace them, work like a champ, weigh nothing, and I hang my backpack off them to keep it off the ground.

**momtaxi** · 07-03-2014, 14:12

Originally Posted by Silvertip47203

Those aluminum bars are really nice. He should be proud of them. What are the dimensions? Is that a case for them too?

They are 4" long (the bar was three feet) and I think it was ½" wide. No case, I tied them to the ends of the straps so they can't be lost and then we wrap the straps around them and secure with the loop of elastic I stitched into the end loop.

**Silvertip47203** · 07-03-2014, 16:50

Very cool!! So do you untie them from the straps to use them or slide them up/down into place. Ok I see they are tied to to ends. Just put them into the hitch loop?

**gmcttr** · 07-03-2014, 18:31

Originally Posted by Silvertip47203

Very cool!! So do you untie them from the straps to use them or slide them up/down into place. Ok I see they are tied to to ends. Just put them into the hitch loop?

Yep. If you have time to come by in the next couple of days I can show you how it all goes together.

**Silvertip47203** · 07-03-2014, 19:23

Right on! Looking forward to it. I have been busy making some DIY toggles out of some spare arrow shafting. Sent you a PM. Thanks

**TrailH4x** · 07-03-2014, 21:15

Originally Posted by Richard Tipton

Although I've never had a carbon fiber toggle fail, I have heard enough failure stories to lead me away from them. If used correctly, aluminum will not fail. Is the meager weight savings worth it?

Yes; though, at a cost of attention to precise execution and minimal chaos. Those wishing for care free hanging would spend their time more wisely coming back to this paradigm later in their hanging life...

**TrailH4x** · 07-03-2014, 21:22

Originally Posted by Richard Tipton

Again, I've never had a CF toggle fail, it's just that I'm not willing to take a chance. There are probably just as many success stories as there are failures. Just my opinion, for what it's worth.

2" carbon toggles going on 3 years. Used with 7/64 Am Steel UCRs and 1" polyester straps. No hurried setups. No kids or acrobatics on the lay. Judge your application, tolerate no more than planned for. (I use Warbonnet cinch buckle straps on summer and winter camp outings with the Boys...)