Bridge Basics

[redsquirrel]

So just a few questions since I have not spliced nor worked with amsteel. First I understand not to separate the filaments but when separating the strands is there a certain amount that you need on each side for example 8 strand 4 on each side?? Second how do you measure the minimum or maximum length of the amount you will need to make a whoopie sling for say the platform mods?

I separate my strands right down the middle so there is no question. For length, you want to take your maximum needed length, multiply it by 2 and give yourself a little extra for your pull cord and your splice.

 

[g2outdoors]

So just a few questions since I have not spliced nor worked with amsteel. First I understand not to separate the filaments but when separating the strands is there a certain amount that you need on each side for example 8 strand 4 on each side?? Second how do you measure the minimum or maximum length of the amount you will need to make a whoopie sling for say the platform mods?

Here are some helpful measurements from my platform. This sling will go on as small a tree as you'd like and max out at a tree about a 2 foot in diameter. I started with about a 9' length of rope.

 

[Waymore]

This is the video I used to learn how to splice amsteel.

Thank Red. What is the nut for?

 

[redsquirrel]

Thank Red. What is the nut for?

I'm not sure I ever figured that out, I don't use one lol.

 

[BCHunter]

Thank Red. What is the nut for?

So you don't accidentally pull the loop in so far that you can't get it out.

 

[MCDM]

I separate my strands right down the middle so there is no question. For length, you want to take your maximum needed length, multiply it by 2 and give yourself a little extra for your pull cord and your splice.

Here are some helpful measurements from my platform. This sling will go on as small a tree as you'd like and max out at a tree about a 2 foot in diameter. I started with about a 9' length of rope.

Thanks guys this was something I always thought was difficult to do but it looks pretty simple now that I have the info.

 

[redsquirrel]

So you don't accidentally pull the loop in so far that you can't get it out.

There you go. I have never worried about that but I guess it could happen.

 

[kenn1320]

The one comment Ill make is the dimensions G2 posted might work well for his platform, but not so well for a bridge. Smallest that whoopie will go is 28". I have found this rope bites very well, you don't need 10" min although that is likely based on a safety rating somewhere. If you want to stick with 10", then shorten the 18" distance. I copied the bury on my non amsteel hollow braid rope from a Cranford rope step, never had one of those whoopie's slip, confident this one wont either.

 

[g2outdoors]

Agreed. My whoopie in the pics was made for the platform not a bridge.

 

[brydan]

The one comment Ill make is the dimensions G2 posted might work well for his platform, but not so well for a bridge. Smallest that whoopie will go is 28". I have found this rope bites very well, you don't need 10" min although that is likely based on a safety rating somewhere. If you want to stick with 10", then shorten the 18" distance. I copied the bury on my non amsteel hollow braid rope from a Cranford rope step, never had one of those whoopie's slip, confident this one wont either.

Amsteel has a very low friction coefficient compared to other rope materials. That's why you need more material contact to have a safe splice. If you choose to ignore the recommendations that's ok, just understand where they come from so you know what you're ignoring.

 

[kenn1320]

Amsteel has a very low friction coefficient compared to other rope materials. That's why you need more material contact to have a safe splice. If you choose to ignore the recommendations that's ok, just understand where they come from so you know what you're ignoring.

That's what I read, but this stuff bites itself amazingly well.

 

[DaveT1963]

For me, with a ropeman 1 on your tether having an adjustable bridge is overkill. A fixed bridge out of Amsteel is lightweight, so are climbing runners, and couple with a ropeman1 on tether can get you to just about any hang angle from a tree.

 

[Waymore]

OK lets say I want to go with fixed bridge on my Sit Drag. Would it be better if using amsteel to splice it once making a loop and then doubling it up on the carabiner that is attached to your ropeman versus making 2 splices on both loops. Same way you would use a runner with carabiners. This way the rope is not contacting same spots which should be safer.

 

[DaveT1963]

OK lets say I want to go with fixed bridge on my Sit Drag. Would it be better if using amsteel to splice it once making a loop and then doubling it up on the carabiner that is attached to your ropeman versus making 2 splices on both loops. Same way you would use a runner with carabiners. This way the rope is not contacting same spots which should be safer.

I would use a buried splice on one end (done around the sit drag/saddle loop if you want to eliminate one carbineer) and the other I would tie in with a figure 8 on blight - all knots are not created equal. A figure eight would keep it from ever slipping and it is also stronger then a lot of knots ( all knots reduce breaking strength of ropes and webbing). I personally would go with 3/8 Amsteel as I think the larger ropes glide better on carbineers and the weight increase is minimal.

 

[Erniepower]

Check out a brummels hitch. It takes a little more effort, but makes a really great loop.

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[Erniepower]

http://www.animatedknots.com/brummel/

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[DaveT1963]

Check out a brummels hitch. It takes a little more effort, but makes a really great loop.

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Thanks Ernie - I had never seen that one before and would be easy to make second loop. Think I am going to splice up a couple tonight and use this weekend instead of my normal runner as I can get the exact length I like now.

 

[Waymore]

Sorry if this sounds stupid. What I was trying to get at was to make one big loop that can be doubled up. So if I wanted a 24" bridge I would make a 48" loop on amsteel. I want to eliminate both carabiners. This way the contact points will be changing. Maybe this is overkill

 

[Erniepower]

Ok, then look at amsteel continuous loop.

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[Maustypsu]

Guess I'm not cool

I almost wasn't, Dave. But mine will arrive before I do my first hunt. So I think that counts... of course, there are numerous other reasons that I'm not cool. Following the crowd off the cliff isn't one of them.