Amsteel loop strength?

**GoneShootn** · 02-17-2018, 17:23

Because the Amsteel continuous loop is basically doubled, does this increase the strength rating? If it doesn't, I'm moving to 1/8" over 7/64".

**FakeDavidBowie** · 02-17-2018, 17:48

What are you planning on using the loops for?

**DrPhun** · 02-17-2018, 17:51

It isn’t entirely doubled. Won’t it break at the weakest point?

**Bubba** · 02-17-2018, 18:15

If you are asking about properly spliced Amstel there is very little reason to go for 1/8 over 7/64 for anything hammock related other than psychological piece of mind IMO. If you are making a continuous loop with knots or not spliced according to manufacturer’s recommendations then maybe there is a reason to go with 1/8. As mentioned, what is your intended use?

**GoneShootn** · 02-17-2018, 18:16

Originally Posted by DrPhun

It isn’t entirely doubled. Won’t it break at the weakest point?

That's the question, and I'm using it on a hammock.

**LTMillar** · 02-17-2018, 19:10

In my opinion, it depends on what you consider the safety point to be. If it was the full breaking strength, I don't think any of us that are hanging are likely to hit even 1400lbs (the rated minimum breaking strength of 7/64"). If if you're considering knots, then isn't it something like 840# minimum?
HOWEVER, climbers use a 10 to 1 ratio for safety ratings so that would put the 1400lbs at 140lbs. Many consider a 5 to 1 safety rating for hammocking which would be 280lbs.
Looking at those numbers, even 1/8" Amsteel with a knot, at 10 to 1 wouldn't be enough for a 200 lbs person. Right?

And that's not even considering hang angles and those calculations.
Hmmm, 5* angle for 200lbs is approx 1150 lbs. Time for some 5/16" Amsteel continuous loops!

**goobie** · 02-17-2018, 19:16

Maybe this will help

http://shop.whoopieslings.com/Contin...rs-CL-7-64.htm

http://www.buttinasling.com/coloperpa.html

https://www.arrowhead-equipment.com/...ndividual.html

You can make the suspension as strong as you'd like, but the hammock itself will almost always be the weak link.

**cmoulder** · 02-18-2018, 08:11

I weigh 170 and have been using 7/64 Amsteel CLs tied with double fisherman's bend with no problems. My friend who introduced me to hanging weighs 270 and uses 7/64 CLs.

I bought a Grand Trunk online that has some cheap, no-name 4mm utility cord for CLs and it seems plenty strong.

I'm pretty new to hammocks but I get the feeling this isn't a huge issue. And I stand ready to be corrected if I'm wrong.

**GoneShootn** · 02-18-2018, 09:49

Originally Posted by Bubba

If you are asking about properly spliced Amstel there is very little reason to go for 1/8 over 7/64 for anything hammock related other than psychological piece of mind IMO. If you are making a continuous loop with knots or not spliced according to manufacturer’s recommendations then maybe there is a reason to go with 1/8. As mentioned, what is your intended use?

Spliced continuous loop, used on hammock ends.