ratchet straps

[Aragorn]

anyone ever tried those ratchet straps, the type used for securing trailer loads etc, for hanging a hammock. I'v seen them cheap in our local Wilko's, I would think they would be strong enough ?, but would they stretch ? any comments

 

[Scots_Charles_River]

May stretch a tad, nylon is elastic, but sound good, but do you need tension ? Why not just put the hammock attachments higher up the tree ?

Nick

 

[EdS]

I've used the buckle type rather than proper ratchet straps a few times no problem. I tend to have them in the car for the canoe or surfboards so they are alway to hand. The advantage of the thread through buckle type is - it is alot harder to overtighten and they are easier to undo when wet and tight.

these sort:
http://www.roofbox.co.uk/genaccess.html

Wrap the strap around the tree 2 or 3 times and then buckle/ ratchet tight (but so it damages the tree). To tie in the hammock use an overhand loop in the strap but then put a loop of the strap (a bit between knot and tree) through this loop and clip in, rather than directly into the knoted loop. Just makes it easier to undo.

 

[Aragorn]

sorry should have explained better, I would only be using the actual strap, without the ratchet device, looks a lot cheaper than buying climbing tape, but wasn't sure if i would still be in the hammock at the end of the night

 

[bent-stick]

anyone ever tried those ratchet straps, the type used for securing trailer loads etc, for hanging a hammock. I'v seen them cheap in our local Wilko's, I would think they would be strong enough ?, but would they stretch ? any comments

I think you'll have trouble breaking them. I have 4 of the thread through bucke types holding a bag press together. I pump it up to 100psi along a 6ft length 4" wide. I'm not sure what strain is on them but they 'sing' when you tap them. The buckles lock and need a tap with a wooden drift and mallet to undo them.

Mine were from Wilckos too. The black ones about 1" across, although they have wider ones I think.

 

[Aragorn]

nice one m8t, thanks for the info

 

[Ogri the trog]

Any tape should do Aragorn. (within reason of course)
Here's the knot I use. http://www.imrisk.com/hammock/improvedknot.htm Can't get much simpler than that.

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[John Fenna]

I often use non-rachet type canoe tie down straps - Pod hammocks come with them as standard - and they are great with no stretch. Cheapo straps may slip or stretch a little. Why tension? If you are using a trad as oposed to a diag hammock tension is the only thing that stops you bending like a banana!
John

 

[Goose]

They do stretch a little, but you can ratchet them up and take any slack out a lot easier than dynamic rope. I have used the thin red cheap ones with no real problems. I take a turn around the tree then double back to the ratchet, which is left close to the tree, then take up the slack by winding it up.

 

[JonnyP]

Travis perkins is a good place to get straps, they do loads of different lengths... Mainly used for roof racks etc, but work great for hammocks.....
They dont stretch either...