Armory Sponsor
Posted: 9/7/2024 10:04:30 PM EDT
|
Hi folks, not sure if this is common knowledge or not, but one can make 'soft shackles' from cord or rope, they have uses in vehicle tow attachments, boating etc. Anyhow, I made some small ones out of 2mm Kevlar cord I had, to use instead of push-button QDs. They are weightless, silent, cheap, and I find them more trustworthy than QD sling swivels. I prefer Kevlar to 550 cord as Kevlar won't melt if it rests against a hot barrel under the handguard, but I suppose one could use bankline or 550. 2mm Kevlar cord has a 500lb rating, you can get thicker; eg 2.3mm (750lb rating) or 3mm (1000lb rating). Anyhow, here's a quick how-to on making them; Cut a section of cord; 16in for a loop for a handguard, 24in for a larger loop if you want more slack around the buttstock attachment point. Attached File Find the midpoint and make a slip knot. Attached File Put a piece of doubled over cord in the slip knot and cinch it down. Attached File At the free end of the shackle, do a double overhand knot and tighten it down (like with a leatherman) and trim the ends level. Attached File Open up the slip knot and thread the double overhand knot through the loop. When you cinch the slip knot down, the knot will be unable to pass through it (and the slip knot is self-tightening of course) and will form a very strong loop, but which is able to be opened by loosening up the slip knot. Attached File Use one for the rear, and another for the front. Attached File Attached File There are a few different ways to make these; instead of using a slip knot, one can make an eye splice, or a larkshead for the loop, and do a monkey knot or something for the knot. You can add some heat-shrink or that silicone coated fiberglass tubing over the length of the loop to tidy it up if you wanted to. I like them without covers as they twist/slide easier in use and form a very strong but very flexible and non-binding connection. Anyhow - hope someone finds this interesting / useful !!! |
|
Quoted: Where do you get the kevlar cord? You can get a little roll off of Amazon pretty cheap. It also makes really good lightweight tent / tarp cordage and emergency cordage in general. It's worth getting a decent sized roll - especially if you have a bunch of guns to add slings to. It'll pay for itself after a couple guns. |
|
Quoted: Cool. I’ve been using 550 for years. My knots don’t look as nice though. Metal attachments are too noisy. Same with 550. Same with knots looking so pretty. I keep meaning to switch over to kevlar, but I've been too lazy to switch out all the paracord that's worked fine for years. Sigh. OP is making me feel bad about not getting around to doing it. |
|
I like fisherman's knots with 550 cord. I haven't melted one yet. Attached File |
|
Quoted: Any ideas on treating the cut ends of the line so they don't fray? Since I can't melt it like nylon, I figure some kind of glue is in order. I tighten the knot down really hard then cut the excess off pretty close, so there is just a little nub sticking out. I didn't treat it with anything, but yeah I guess a drop of superglue gel or something would tidy it up and keep the ends together ! |
|
Quoted: I like fisherman's knots with 550 cord. I haven't melted one yet. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/433221/1000001415_jpg-3317405.JPG Yeap ! One of my favorite knots  I thread the shackle through my handguard slots though, rather than the FSB, so it actually rests against the barrel unless the sling is taut.Each to their own though, whatever works for you... |
| Thanks for posting. I’ve been using 550 cord for this purpose, but have wondered about heat resistance. I don’t do mag dumps very often, though, so it hasn’t been an issue so far. Here’s a trusted source, although they’re currently out of stock for a few items: Atwood Rope (Made in USA) |
|
Quoted: Thanks for posting. I’ve been using 550 cord for this purpose, but have wondered about heat resistance. I don’t do mag dumps very often, though, so it hasn’t been an issue so far. Here’s a trusted source, although they’re currently out of stock for a few items: Atwood Rope (Made in USA) Can’t believe I forgot about Atwood rope. There was a good thread about them not long ago. I got two sizes of Emma kites Kevlar. The larger is about the size of 550 cord, maybe a little larger. Will probably try some Atwood as well. They were kind of picked over. 
|
|
FYI, for those swapping kevlar for dyneema (Amsteel, Amsteel Blue, etc.), dyneema is one of the worst of the technical fibers as far as heat resistance. Good for lots of things, tied to a front sight block or close to a hot barrel is loses a significant amount of its strength at a shockingly low temperature compared to other fibers such as aramid or liquid crystal polymer-based constructions. Also, knots DRASTICALLY reduce the rated strength of all of the various Class II ropes. Is it going to matter as a sling connector? Nope, not at all, just a general warning that if you plan on using this stuff with loads close to its manufacturers specified ratings, don't knot it. The one exception is an actual soft shackle where the knot isn't taking the load in the same manner. 12-strand constructions are very easy to learn to splice. Always splice over knot if it's an option, and be aware to check whether a manufacturers rating is spliced, or unspliced. It can make a significant difference in actual rated performance. Bona fides: I use all of these every day at work and I'm in charge of spec'ing various constructions for various purposes, as well as being the "splicing master" at my job. |
|
Quoted: FYI, for those swapping kevlar for dyneema (Amsteel, Amsteel Blue, etc.), dyneema is one of the worst of the technical fibers as far as heat resistance. Good for lots of things, tied to a front sight block or close to a hot barrel is loses a significant amount of its strength at a shockingly low temperature compared to other fibers such as aramid or liquid crystal polymer-based constructions. Also, knots DRASTICALLY reduce the rated strength of all of the various Class II ropes. Is it going to matter as a sling connector? Nope, not at all, just a general warning that if you plan on using this stuff with loads close to its manufacturers specified ratings, don't knot it. The one exception is an actual soft shackle where the knot isn't taking the load in the same manner. 12-strand constructions are very easy to learn to splice. Always splice over knot if it's an option, and be aware to check whether a manufacturers rating is spliced, or unspliced. It can make a significant difference in actual rated performance. Bona fides: I use all of these every day at work and I'm in charge of spec'ing various constructions for various purposes, as well as being the "splicing master" at my job. Didn’t know that about Amsteel’s heat resistance. Thanks. I’ve only used it for hunting/climbing aiders and lightweight gear hangers in the tree. Just knew it was similar. Works great for those purposes. |
Armory Sponsor