Please Tell Me Why I'm Wrong

**SilvrSurfr** · 09-25-2014, 18:42

Amsteel Blue is not the best rope for tying knots. Samson Rope, the manufacturer of Amsteel Blue, recommends splices rather than knots:

"A knot will reduce the strength by as much as 50%. We recommend a splice
as a termination for AmSteel-Blue. Due to the slippery nature of Dyneema
Fiber, knots often will not hold."

http://www.samsonrope.com/Documents/...gging_2006.pdf

**4evrplan** · 09-25-2014, 20:38

Ooh, good to know Silvrsurfr. You guys have convinced me. I think the way to go is to get 25' from Dutch and make my own whoopie slings and soft shackles. I'll have to figure out something to sheath the line where it goes through the tree strap. I may replace the cord and hook at each end of the hammock with a soft shackle too (also sheathed). I'll worry about a ridge line after I get the basic suspension done. 25' should be enough, right? What length slings do people typically use?

**Bushwhacker** · 09-25-2014, 20:46

Originally Posted by 4evrplan

Ooh, good to know Silvrsurfr. You guys have convinced me. I think the way to go is to get 25' from Dutch and make my own whoopie slings and soft shackles. I'll have to figure out something to sheath the line where it goes through the tree strap. I may replace the cord and hook at each end of the hammock with a soft shackle too (also sheathed). I'll worry about a ridge line after I get the basic suspension done. 25' should be enough, right? What length slings do people typically use?

UCRs let you use a larger percentage of the rope than whoppie slings. They're basically the same thing, except UCRs are better (I don't think there are any downsides). 25' is enough. If you put some thought into it, it's pretty easy to organize your UCR making process so that one of the steps is the system is posted earlier.

**SilvrSurfr** · 09-25-2014, 20:50

Originally Posted by 4evrplan

I'll have to figure out something to sheath the line where it goes through the tree strap. I may replace the cord and hook at each end of the hammock with a soft shackle too (also sheathed). I'll worry about a ridge line after I get the basic suspension done. 25' should be enough, right? What length slings do people typically use?

What is the sheathing for? I assume to protect the Amsteel? If so, that's not really necessary.

I typically make six ft. whoopie slings. Yes, UCRs save rope but they're fiddly and I'm not enough of a gram weenie to care about the reduced weight.

**Bushwhacker** · 09-25-2014, 22:46

Originally Posted by SilvrSurfr

What is the sheathing for? I assume to protect the Amsteel? If so, that's not really necessary.

I typically make six ft. whoopie slings. Yes, UCRs save rope but they're fiddly and I'm not enough of a gram weenie to care about the reduced weight.

I think 4evrplan is trying to figure out a way to protect either the line or the hammock and strap from wear. 4evrplan: if I was right, you probably don't need to worry about that.

**K0m4** · 09-26-2014, 02:27

Didn't read every post in great detail, so I don't know if it was covered already, but I do like having adjustability in both ends for fine-tuning hte hang when it's up - I like being able to 'move' the hammock between the trees if need be, or slightly elevate either end if it doesn't turn out exactly like I want it. A bowline in one end as per the OP removes that ability unless you're prepared to re-tie it.

But maybe I just like playing around with ropes too much!

**4evrplan** · 09-26-2014, 05:19

Originally Posted by SilvrSurfr

What is the sheathing for? I assume to protect the Amsteel? If so, that's not really necessary.

Nope, to protect the tree straps and the gathered ends of the hammock where the thin Amsteel runs through them. That way, I don't need any metal hardware.

**Redoleary** · 09-26-2014, 06:34

Originally Posted by 4evrplan

Nope, to protect the tree straps and the gathered ends of the hammock where the thin Amsteel runs through them. That way, I don't need any metal hardware.

Sheathing is really not necessary, when the hammock is loaded there is no relative movement between the fabric and the amsteel, and even when you are adjusting there is not a lot of friction. Sounds like you don't plan to use a marlinspike on your straps?

**4evrplan** · 09-26-2014, 08:41

Originally Posted by MDSH

The UL suspension I use is very simple. Mule tape DIY straps around the tree, Lark's Headed to 7/64" Amsteel tied to Dutch Biners at the hammock -- overhand knot with the bite jammed by a stick.

Did you form the loop at the tree end of the Amsteel with a bury? Also, any chance you could show a picture of the hammock end? I think I know what you mean, but I want to be sure, becuase, honestly, I'm surprised it held.

**4evrplan** · 09-26-2014, 08:48

Originally Posted by Redoleary

Sounds like you don't plan to use a marlinspike on your straps?

That's correct. I was thinking I'd sew loops on both ends of the strap, not just one, then the Amsteel would connect loop to loop via a lark's head. I will go completely w/o hardware if it works, mostly because it's cheaper (though I think there's an old arrow I could cut into toggles laying around here somewhere), but also because it's lighter.