Hi, i recently built my own line and its been pretty good until today.

My whole system is rated so i know its safe, the only issue i have is the stitching. Today one of the stitched ends tore and my ratchet left a pretty impressionable dent in the ground.

Now heres my question: My line was sewn with industrial strength cotton, is this right? And if not. what should it be sewn with?

Any input would be helpful!

Thanks.

Hi

I've always just used tape knots and a z-lift (mechanical advantage system) for tensioning mine. If you are set on using the ratchet system then just knot the strap onto the ratchet and fasten the far end using a clove hitch or similar.

Incidentally, if you built the whole system yourself, how is it "rated"? Rating implies testing by a standards agency. Sorry for the pendantry.

_________________
Happy climbing
Nic

Rated - Each part of the system is rated seperately.

Sorry for the confusion

Yeah i'm using knots at the moment but it just looks so much nicer and neater having it sewn..

Hi,

Bear in mind that your gear is probably rated for breaking strain, which is very different to working load. Generally, your working load is about 1 fifth of your breaking strain (depending on the safety factor you're working with). This means that if you have a 25kn carabiner, you shouldn't be loading it with more than 5kn continuous load (and you probably are). The same applies to webbing and stitching. Of course, many slacklines have been built with sport-rated equipment with no issues (but many sport-rated pulleys have exploded on slacklines too).

The best person to speak to would probably be an industrial rigger, they would be able to clarify the above and would also be able to point you in the direction of a good place to sew webbing. There is a very good place in Randburg if you're Joburg based.

Alternatively, buy one of Slackline SA's kits, they're really good, and you're supporting a local company!

Kyle

Another alternative is to go to your local parts shop, like a midas...

I was on a serious budget when i needed a line, so i bought a 9m (I know it could be longer) 4 ton (50mm) strap and a ratchet for under R200... It is nice and thick (which is helpful for beginners like myself), cheap and very strong... I have had no problems yet (other than the length restriction, but i find 9m to be more than ample where i use it at home)....

Give it a shot...

I was looking into the Slackline SA kit, but i've been walking my 25mm line for a few weeks now and i've decided i want a thicker line (moving onto 36mm!), i figure it would probably be a great idea to get the new line sewn a bit better than the old line cause i am planning to use it for jumps etc.

Industrial rigger - great idea thanks!