X-shaped, double dogbone?

[Irishjihad]

I've been running through my head if it's possible to make an X-shaped dogbone that can actually not pull apart. I have an idea about a tarp system for my annual camping trip with some friends, but need something like an X-shaped dogbone to tie them together. It would look like an old lug-wrench.

If I just feed one through the other, it can't really distribute load to the perpendicular legs. If I make two L-shapes from the two pieces, it seems like it would be kind of week. Anyone have an idea of how I could do this? I don't want to resort to just a ring, or continuous loop. Partially for aesthetic reasons, and partially because I just want to make an X-shaped dogbone. A 3-legged dogbone might also work, if anyone has an idea on that.

[Phantom Grappler]

X-shaped double dogbone; something new to me. Maybe a knot or hitch can be used.
Two lengths of amsteel can be knotted together using an overhand knot. The knot would
be in middle of your “lug wrench” configuration. Amsteel can extend in four different directions.
A hitch that is easier to undo (if it’s not working out), could be two interlocking larksheads.

Or if this is for a temporary setup, for a tarp (but not weight bearing for hammock); you can locate where your two ropes are to be joined. Hold them parallel in your hand and tie them both in a marlin spike hitch. If it’s going to be touching or supporting your tarp, instead of a toggle, tightly roll a pair of socks to be used as your toggle.

Entirely possible I’ve failed to envision solution or even the desired goal.
Further study (guesswork) may be required on my part.
Good luck!

[vtrhyno]

Four half dog bones, with the non-eye end buried in the eye end of the adjacent one? Would that work? If that doesn't make sense I can try to draw or make one

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[skater]

Four half dog bones, with the non-eye end buried in the eye end of the adjacent one? Would that work? If that doesn't make sense I can try to draw or make one

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It makes sense to me. That even sounds like it would work.

[Irishjihad]

Four half dog bones, with the non-eye end buried in the eye end of the adjacent one? Would that work? If that doesn't make sense I can try to draw or make one

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I can't quite picture it. I was thinking with the non-eye end buried in the non-eye end, but I'd end up with basically a small loop at the center, instead of a clean X.

[vtrhyno]

I can't quite picture it. I was thinking with the non-eye end buried in the non-eye end, but I'd end up with basically a small loop at the center, instead of a clean X.

Forgive the bad estimates of how long I needed things. I realize this is just 3 but adding a 4th should be pretty straightforward. Hopefully this helps.
IMG_20200728_130707.jpg
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[Irishjihad]

Forgive the bad estimates of how long I needed things. I realize this is just 3 but adding a 4th should be pretty straightforward. Hopefully this helps.
IMG_20200728_130707.jpg
IMG_20200728_131359.jpg
IMG_20200728_131659.jpg
IMG_20200728_131726.jpg

Thanks for doing that. I appreciate it. Looks doable.

[old4hats]

I made a three legged one by first making a small diameter closed loop, then making the three dog bones with one end each with the loop inside one end. Easy to add one and have four.

[Baka Dasai]

I made a three legged one by first making a small diameter closed loop, then making the three dog bones with one end each with the loop inside one end. Easy to add one and have four.

Yep, that's how I'd do it too.

[jeff-oh]

If I needed this I'd make it like 2 "L"s Creating a brummel lock in the middle. Line by definition will never transmit load to the cross pieces. It will only take tensile load.