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  1. #1
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    Hardware Design engineering recommendation?

    Hey hive mind, I’m working on a DIY project and I’m in need of an engineering solution for a plastic closure mechanism and would love it if anyone can offer recommendations.

    I need something like a small ball chain zip (see attached pic) that opens and closes using a mechanism OTHER THAN passing the cable end though a loop. The closing mechanism needs to be fast, easy, and small.

    Examples might include a cable end that “snaps” into place (like a plastic snap buckle), is wrapped around hardware that holds it rigidly in place (like a Dutchwear fleaz…see here: https://dutchwaregear.com/product/fleaz/), twists around itself (like a twist cable), or hooks onto itself.

    Here’s a list of more specific requirements. The zip must be:
    - Ultralight weight, low profile, and small
    - Flexible plastic with high fatigue strength
    - Tensile strength similar to a very small zip tie (approximately 5-10 lbs breaking strength)
    - Will not accidentally open up, even if tension is applied
    - Quick, one-handed operation
    - Doesn’t require super fiddly dexterity to operate (e.g., passing a cord through a small hole)
    - Creates a loop that is adjustable in size up to 1.5” diameter

    Does something like this already exist?

    Or, what would be a good solution?

    Thanks in advance for any ideas!
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by Cliffy; 09-18-2020 at 02:46.

  2. #2
    Senior Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cliffy View Post
    - Doesn’t require super fiddly dexterity to operate (e.g., passing a cord through a small hole)
    That's going to be a tough one to beat. Literally every "zip tie" or "cable tie" I found had to be threaded through a hole except for this one. And that one likely doesn't meet your "will not accidentally open" requirement.

  3. #3
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    What pops into my mind is a double sided version of 3M dual lock. Simply wrap and go.

  4. #4
    Senior Member fugalster's Avatar
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    Would something like a velcro cable tie work? Should hold 5-10 lbs, and easy enough to wrap around something.

    Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
    Inventor of Turtle Ties
    Founder of Fugal Innovations, LLC
    fugal-innovations.com

  5. #5
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    It might help if we knew what the intended use was. But here are a couple of options that are not plastic.

    This one looks like an easy DIY with a rubber band or maybe shock cord.
    https://www.amazon.com/BongoTies-Ori.../dp/B0030FI3W4

    Here's another one.
    https://www.amazon.com/Agreatca-Orga...A5S4KGW7NJ0Y7K

    That last one might be a little more complicated to DIY. I am very new to sewing so please take this with a grain of salt but in my head this will work. Depending on the intended use you could maybe use a strip of fabric/webbing/grosgrain with snaps or a button/buttonholes. For more security you could add a tab at the top (where the button is) with another buttonhole on the end of the tab. Wrap the fabric around your items, stick the button through the proper buttonhole at the bottom of the fabric, then secure it by putting the button through the second buttonhole on the tab. I think you should be able to do it one-handed, especially if you use snaps. But as far as fatigue strength and tensile strength you would have to research and pick the right materials or test the strength. If using snaps or even buttons you might get more strength by adding a second button or snap to the top section, but like I said I'm new to sewing so I'm not really sure.

    Here is another variation of this idea, though I don't know that this exists or how to DIY it. Something like the prong on a prong belt buckle as shown in the link below (preferably plastic or maybe titanium or aluminum, and ideally with a ball-shaped end). However, instead of threading the fabric/webbing/grosgrain (or maybe even a strip of plastic) through like you would a belt, all you would need is to attach the prong somehow to the material so it can go through holes made in the fabric/grosgrain/plastic or wherever desired in the webbing. Then some sort of locking mechanism to catch the prong on the other side after it's gone through the fabric/plastic. I hope that made sense.
    https://www.buckleguy.com/b7009-1-2-...olid-brass-ll/

    Another option may be to use Amsteel/Lash-it/Zing-it EVO loops with various holes to catch the knot. But I'm new to splicing too.

    HTH

  6. #6
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    Not sure what you need to hold but...

    You might try some Nite Ize Gear Ties

    https://www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-Orig...s%2C410&sr=8-1

    or

    https://www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-Loop...s%2C410&sr=8-4

    You could also go with a bungee with a jam lock sort of like this

    https://www.amazon.com/BAR-Autotech-...1RT8VN8R7EWBDA

    If you are handy you could make your own using 1/8 bungee and make the lock using some 1/4 inch delrin plastic or something similar.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by SutterButtes View Post

    Another option may be to use Amsteel/Lash-it/Zing-it EVO loops with various holes to catch the knot. But I'm new to splicing too.
    https://youtu.be/QYZ3ZL1Mhao

    This is sort-of what I was thinking, but using a series of locked brummels to create various attachment points. So you would create a "1 inch static hole" (shorter for Zing-it/Lash-it) then a locked brummel then another hole then a locked brummel, and so on until you have the desired number of holes. Finishing like he does in the video with a locked brummel, bury, locked brummel and button knot.

    I don't think it would be safe to hang from but I think it would work for gear. But again, I'm new to splicing.


    Edit to add:

    Just found this: https://www.animatedknots.com/adjustable-sling-knot
    This is pretty much exactly what I had imagined. I didn't know it existed. Glad to know my mind is operating on the right wavelength for this splicing stuff. Hope this helps someone.
    Last edited by SutterButtes; 10-01-2020 at 22:15. Reason: Add link to animated knots

  8. #8
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    Good luck on your new hardware design.
    I’m not sure, what your intended use will be. Are you going to use it on your hammock or tarp, to hold small items?

    You might want to see various offerings, by Dutch, Jeff Myers of Myers Tech, and Anne Marie of Autumn Ultralight.
    You will see hardware and splicing that meets most all needs of hammock campers.
    Lots of times a simple knot can hold small items in place around your campsite

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