ok to larks head a whoopie?

**exdiver** · 10-16-2009, 23:13

I have a sewn channel hammock and I want to go to the whoopie sling suspention method. Is there any problem attaching the fixed eye end of a whoopie sling to a ring using a larkshead hitch. The reason being, I want to also attach to same ring a whoopie to replace my structural ridgeline making it adjustable. Does a larks head onto a metal ring degrade amsteel whoopies? Derate the whoopie?

I would have

tree web strap attached to a toggle, attached to a whoopie, larks-headed to a ring, attached to a whoopie ridgeline larks-headed to a ring, attached to a whoopie, toggled to a treee web strap

**gargoyle** · 10-17-2009, 04:44

exdiver, I'm missing where yor hammock is in your example.

But to answer your question, I did a larksheaded whoopie directly to my hammocks bundled ends, and its working fine, 20 some straight days.

Whether it degrades the rope or not I don't know, I just know it holds up my big butt.

Just be sure to lock the eye with a few stitches so it doesnt come undone when not under tension.

**Frawg** · 10-17-2009, 08:18

Assuming you're using Amsteel Blue (or equivalent) and SMC descender rings (or equivalent) the lark's heads should not be a problem. The issue is the bending radius the rope is subjected to. If the rope is bent too sharply you'll have to derate the setup, but there is typically sufficient strength margin to handle the usual hammock loading. Mind the 30 degree angle coming off the trees and you should be okay. ... and be sure to secure any eye splices, like gargoyle said; I learned that the hard way, early on.

Edit: If you haven't done so yet, you might take a good look at the SLS threads in this (support systems) forum -- Headchange4u's in particular.

**pgibson** · 10-17-2009, 11:29

That is how I am making all my Whoopie's, with a fixed eye splice on one end to use to larks head or girth hitch depending on the make of hammock. With the eye through stitched they are very strong, and if you are using 1/8th inch amsteel then the overall strength well in excess of any reduction in strength that the larks head would cause.

Paul

**exdiver** · 10-17-2009, 11:43

Sorry for the confusion. The hammock is attached to the ring on each end with existing rope(soon to be replaced also) through the sewn channel.

The main question in my head is larks-heading into metal going to create a weak spot such as a knot would induce.

**Darby** · 10-17-2009, 11:54

When I sent a Switchback (channel end hammock) to Angrysparrow for review, He returned it with Whoopie Slings attached. He has done this with many channel end hammocks.

**pgibson** · 10-17-2009, 11:57

No that should not cause any problem at all, as a climber we use all sorts of knots on rings and carabiners all the time. From that aspect it is normal to never let rope and cord run against each other and always run thought a carabiner or ring at attachment. As far as the knots function is concerned there is not any greater stress on it in one attachment versus another (at least not enough of a difference to worry about more then another) And again with something like amsteel the overall strength rating is well in excess of the working requirements for this sort of application.

Paul

**exdiver** · 10-17-2009, 12:17

Thanks Paul. Going to the backyard (I hope not literally) to test it out.

**exdiver** · 10-17-2009, 16:34

Did not hang long as it is very blustery and quite cool today, but it worked in the short term. Will give a better report on another day. Need to work out the toggles. Looking to do as someone else suggested and use Aluminum tent stake. Plan to cut two 2 inch pieces and drill a tether hole to attach it to the tree strap tail via dental floss. I lose loose things.
Thanks to all on the forum for all the ideas and advice.

**Frawg** · 10-17-2009, 20:51

Originally Posted by exdiver

Did not hang long as it is very blustery and quite cool today, but it worked in the short term. Will give a better report on another day. Need to work out the toggles. Looking to do as someone else suggested and use Aluminum tent stake. Plan to cut two 2 inch pieces and drill a tether hole to attach it to the tree strap tail via dental floss. I lose loose things.
Thanks to all on the forum for all the ideas and advice.

exdiver, I believe I was the one who mentioned making toggles from tent stakes. There are some pics in my gallery if they'd be useful to you. Here's one: