Fids for splicing dyneema

[Neeves]

I also have a permanent boom length preventer. I stitched a meter of bungee as a core into 6 mm dyneema with slack over it so its sprung tight when stowed and will have a little give when in use. All the strength of the dyneema but with some give.

There is merit in a hybrid rope - one with some give but ultimate strength dictated by a dyneema cover. Its easy enough to buy dyneema hollow, braided tape, its easy enough to buy cordage with elasticity (not sure that bungee really has sensible longevity). It would be easy to marry the two together (though might need some trial and error to get the amount of elasticity right). I discussed this with a rope maker - technically it is quite possible to manufacture - is there a big enough market (I can immediately think of a number of applications - but I'm neither a manufacturer nor a salesman ).

Jonathan

 

[Buck Turgidson]

There is merit in a hybrid rope - one with some give but ultimate strength dictated by a dyneema cover. Its easy enough to buy dyneema hollow, braided tape, its easy enough to buy cordage with elasticity (not sure that bungee really has sensible longevity). It would be easy to marry the two together (though might need some trial and error to get the amount of elasticity right). I discussed this with a rope maker - technically it is quite possible to manufacture - is there a big enough market (I can immediately think of a number of applications - but I'm neither a manufacturer nor a salesman ).

Jonathan

Key was to have enough slack that the stretch is initially from the bungee and then from compression of the core. No stress on the stitching!

 

[LadyInBed]

Dogs Bone - hardly a new idea, toggle - Wiktionary but improved by using turned aluminium.

 

[Neeves]

Dogs Bone - hardly a new idea, toggle - Wiktionary but improved by using turned aluminium.

Soft shackles are not a new idea either - the development is the use of Dyneema.

I find it interesting that dyneema was introduced in the 1980s (?) but it took so long for soft shackles to develop.

Witchard have a different take:

Stainless steel hardware shackles soft | Wichard Marine

Jonathan

 

[geem]

Soft shackles are not a new idea either - the development is the use of Dyneema.

I find it interesting that dyneema was introduced in the 1980s (?) but it took so long for soft shackles to develop.

Witchard have a different take:

Stainless steel hardware shackles soft | Wichard Marine

Jonathan

I was using these on the big race boat. Really nice but eye watering expensive Blocks snatch blocks soft | Wichard Marine

 

[Neeves]

Answering one of the questions I raised earlier

Better Soft Shackle

The link provides detail of sizes of shackles etc.

I was using these on the big race boat. Really nice but eye watering expensive Blocks snatch blocks soft | Wichard Marine

I did notice the prices - roughly stg50, each.

Jonathan

 

[gregcope]

So which are the applications where soft shackles are factorially better than stainless?

I have replaced some SS shackles where they attach an Aluminium castings. For example sail to my roller or my mast mast ali fittings. My ali fittings have signs of wear, caused by SS fittings.

So my focus is on preventing future wear/issues on expensive bits. Yes I have a collection of SS shackles now, but less (future) wear.

 

[geem]

Answering one of the questions I raised earlier

Better Soft Shackle

The link provides detail of sizes of shackles etc.





I did notice the prices - roughly stg50, each.

Jonathan

For 12mm rope they are RRP £312

 

[thinwater]

Are they stronger?

I would prefer not to have bits of metal in the clew in case it hits me.

I know I keep banging on about it, but the overhand knot soft shackle is very easy to remember, which is why I like it. It's a sliding loop, 2 buried ends and an overhand knot.

Make some and test them. Yes, I have, they are slightly stronger. Longer radiuses.

The main advantage for most of us is be easier handling. But the metal is a down side. That said, you are talking about a tiny bit of alluminim, not a big S shackle. Perhaps 10 times less metal. I have used them on head sail sheets and would not hesitate. In fact, now that we're talking about, I think I'll swap them back.

 

[thinwater]

PS article on toggled soft shackles.Toggled shackles (There is a type on one image. The groove should reduce the diameter 15-20%.)

I look at them as just one more variation on a of the soft shackle.

 

[gregcope]

In the UK, you can mail-order 100m of 6mm hmwpe for £180.

Can you share a URL (or PM me?)