Writing pens for suspension toggles

[jhymes]

So i hung the other night and i forgot my DIY aluminum arrow toggles. I have read where others have used writing pens in a pinch and had success so i thought i would test this. Overall the pens worked for the night but upon takedown in the morning i noticed the knot on my straps had crushed the pens and bent them (Whoopies hung on the knot not the toggle ). Would not have trusted them for another night. Thought i would leave this here for anyone considering ball point pens for toggles, lol. Happy Hanging

[cmoulder]

So i hung the other night and i forgot my DIY aluminum arrow toggles. I have read where others have used writing pens in a pinch and had success so i thought i would test this. Overall the pens worked for the night but upon takedown in the morning i noticed the knot on my straps had crushed the pens and bent them (Whoopies hung on the knot not the toggle ). Would not have trusted them for another night. Thought i would leave this here for anyone considering ball point pens for toggles, lol. Happy Hanging

I don't use (and have not for quite some time) whoopies/MSH, but if'n I still did I would stick with Ti toggles for the reason you mention, and also for the safety factor in the event wind or some other motion knocks the CL off the knot and onto the toggle. A Ti toggle could handle the load very well in this case and perhaps prevent a smashed noggin.

[Phantom Grappler]

I’d use a solid stick, or an elongated rock wrapped in a sock, a toothbrush, or even a tube sock rolled real tight, to avoid using an ink pen.
Everybody has different ways to replace toggles, I’m glad your pens worked and very glad the ink pens did not leak or burst.
I could use my coffee spoon, but that wouldn’t be good at zero dark thirty when I need to stir java...

You can fold excess strap accordion style and use it as toggle. It’s right there...no need to find replacement toggles...if excess strap is long enough...that is unless you’re chicken...this couldn’t be another Phantom lie for your entertainment!

[MikekiM]

I have to agree with the others.. a pen is not one of the items I would consider acceptable. Even the CF arrows have varied wall thickness and if you did to the HF archives, you'll find instances where they have collapsed as well...

I haven't used an MSH in a few seasons, but I used either Ti toggles, a shortened solid alu tent stack or a solid fiberglass driveway marker.

Forgot your toggles? Use a trail stick.

[jhymes]

Lol, I hadnt thought of using the strap itself.

[BillyBob58]

Lol, I hadnt thought of using the strap itself.

I've done it. Worked for me. Not making any recommendations for others, however.

[warbonnetguy]

Tent stake works well

[tsshaw78]

I've been using 3/8" diameter pvc pieces about 3" long. I think it is schedule 40 wall thickness and haven't had any signs of cracking. They are pretty lightweight and very cheap to make. I don't know how the diameter affects the performance, I haven't tried anything else for comparison yet.

[Baka Dasai]

I once used a pencil. It "worked", but looked a bit crushed afterwards.

I've used trail sticks plenty of times, and never had a problem with them.

Now I have titanium toggles. They're an absurd extravagance, but the way they smoothly slide out of the webbing when packing up is very pleasing. I have them tethered to the end of my straps so I can't lose or forget them. Luxury!