Cinch Buckle System SETUP Failure

[Ratdog]

This is a User Failure that resulted in equipment abuse.
Hammock load was 250-300 lbs.

When using Cinch Buckles, proper attachment to the hammock via chainlinks is important.

Multiple wraps for the larkshead, or even better multiple wraps for a spliced continuous loop, keep the buckle properly oriented/aligned with the strap.

Strap alignment allows the cinch buckle to do it's job.

Even a 4400lb rated cinch buckle won't help you if the straps are not properly aligned.

Improper setup may lead to failure, i.e., terra firma gluteus maximus impactus majoris. plainly put, butt on the ground.

This morning I witnessed this failure first hand when a guest hit the dirt with a laugh. Nothing injured, all is well, this time. There were multiple failures in process, vigilance, implementation and decision making.

But the failure to inspect the equipment after the last couple hangs prevented observing the warning signs on the strap and when finally observed, no corrective action was taken.

Choosing to stick with chain links that were too short to allow multiple wraps for the larkshead because they were Pink, like the hammock, bad choice. (Now she is ok with using the Orange 1/8" amsteel)

Thinking that manually orienting the cinch buckles would be sufficient instead of using the multiple wraps on the (again the Pink thing) cinch buckle/continuous loop.

The bottom line is, without the extra wraps on the buckle, it can and likely will twist and drop the single larkshead into a corner of the buckle. This twists the strap which moves the slide in the buckle and you no longer have the locking friction of strap on strap to hold the slide or strap in place.

RESOLUTION
I have swapped her 1500lb straps out for 3000lns.
Removed the Pink continuous loops and buckles.
Spliced on some 1/8" continuous loops with multiple wraps on to the buckles and reinstalled.

Larkshead slips to corner





Slide is moved and is not locking strap in place.





Example of replacement cinch buckle/ continuous loop setup.

[Ratdog]

The straps had shown warning signs after the last couple hangs but were ignored.

The fraying of the strap occurred where the cinch buckle had been positioned previously and then twisted at some point during use.

It was suggested that a change be made but some folks need to be hit over the head or land on their butt to learn a lesson. They think of themselves as strong willed, I think of the as a wilderness liability.

Exactly the kind of person on which I will NOT depend.

[Craigthor]

Good points to keep a watch on, only thing I have to add is if you're stuck with wanting the pink is to switch to the AHE cinch buckles as with 5 sides it allows the single line to hold the strap centered.

[Ratdog]

Good points to keep a watch on, only thing I have to add is if you're stuck with wanting the pink is to switch to the AHE cinch buckles as with 5 sides it allows the single line to hold the strap centered.

Yes, like those, very similar if not identical to Warbonnet triangles.

Couldn't talk Brandon into parting with 100 of them when I was shopping last month.

Very happy with the cinch buckles and have enjoyed splicing the continuous loops on them. Though I am still looking for triangles and anyone who is parting with/tossing theirs, I am willing to trade some loops or shackles for them.

WTT Tread
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=76961

[Mule]

I have had the same trouble, so I took the larks head around the attachment point on the cinch buckle four times to keep the exit loop in the center.

[TallPaul]

I got some cinch buckles with loops from Dutch recently and they had multiple wraps around one side, now I know why

Here's a pic for those needing a visual.
http://dutchwaregear.com/cinch-buckl...uspension.html

[nothermark]

While we are talking buckles I would also point out that I am concerned with some of the hardware I have seen with sharp corners the amsteel goes over. I would take the edge off with some fine abrasives.

The other point worth making is never trust the buckle - add a slippery half hitch to lock the line... ;-)

[mainewoods]

New hanger here what is the best way larks head the loop to the buckle ? I have a set of Dutch cinch buckles two larks ok?? Can some show me how to larks head to the buckle??
Thanks
MW

[nothermark]

if you have the two wrap larks head on the buckle that is about as good as it gets. The idea is to fill the bar so the line cannot slid off center like his did.

[pgibson]

The other point worth making is never trust the buckle - add a slippery half hitch to lock the line... ;-)

Actually this is not correct if using our buckles. The sloped half can pull the webbing out of alignment and cause the webbing to be pinched in a manor other than intended. This could cause the webbing to be unevenly loaded and lead to damage of the webbing. Do NOT add a slipped half to the webbing of our buckles. They are made to not need it and it can cause problems if used. Different buckles work differently and may need it.