The Easiest Way to Make Soft Shackles

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  • Опубліковано 6 чер 2024
  • In this video we explain how to tie a soft shackle with an overhand knot and double figure eight knot and load test the results.
    Overhand knot holds 75% of line strength, double figure eight holds 150%.
    Do not use for safety critical applications (e.g. 4x4 recovery)!!!
    Samson website for Amsteel:
    www.samsonrope.com/mooring/am...
    Comparison of other soft shackle methods:
    www.balancecommunity.com/blog...
    Disclaimer:
    - This content is offered solely for your education and entertainment.
    - There are no warranties, expressed or implicit, about any content or its fitness for a particular purpose.
    - There are risks of injury, death, drunkenness, and financial hardship involved in sailing.
    - The skipper is always responsible for the safety of their vessel and crew.
    - Sailing Tips is not responsible or liable in any way for anything that happens on or anywhere near your boat or any boat that we are not in command of.
    #howto #tie #softshackle #overhand #figure8 #figureeight #knot #sailing #howtosail #learntosail #sailingtips

КОМЕНТАРІ • 150

  • @Tony29685
    @Tony29685 Рік тому +11

    I'm not a sailor, but I use the soft shackle on my camping hammock rigging. I've been using the diamond knot, I have tied it many times for myself and friends. However; seeing the strength of the figure 8, I guess I'll be using that from now on. It's quicker and simpler to tie, and hammocks have far less stress and strain compared to sailing applications.. A BIG thank you. I'm gonna subscribe just incase you come up with other handy dandy "things" I can plagiarize.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Рік тому

      Glad you like it! You should check out this video where I use an overhand soft shackle to lift the front end of my car, so they may be strong enough for a hammock too! The Amazing Lightweight Rope That Can Lift A Car!!! ua-cam.com/video/9shiekaQNT0/v-deo.html

    • @JasperJanssen
      @JasperJanssen 9 місяців тому

      The big advantage of the diamond knot is that the knot ends up bigger, makes it less likely to whip loose. You’re basically always going to have at least full line strength from any of these things, so unless you want to live dangerously by, say, using a 4mm soft shackle on 5mm line, the MBS is just not all that interesting.

  • @KujtimHaderxhanaj
    @KujtimHaderxhanaj Місяць тому

    you took the mystery out of how difficult is making a soft shackle, thank you very much, I subscribed.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Місяць тому

      Yes there are stronger techniques but this is definitely strong enough for many use cases!

  • @smcvaymcvay5770
    @smcvaymcvay5770 Рік тому +1

    Nice tests using what you had available. Very nicely done. Thank you for your hard work.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Рік тому

      Thanks so much! Did you see this one where I use these soft shackles to lift my car? The Amazing Lightweight Rope That Can Lift A Car!!! ua-cam.com/video/9shiekaQNT0/v-deo.html

  • @markswishereatsstuff2500
    @markswishereatsstuff2500 2 роки тому +1

    Glad YT suggested your channel.

  • @GeorgeIvanPare
    @GeorgeIvanPare 2 роки тому +1

    This is excellent stuff. I am hoping that you are just getting started with the making of these videos. Thank you so much for putting in the effort.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  2 роки тому

      Thanks - it’s been fun and I’m glad people are getting something out of them! I’m putting one together about tying a soft shackle into the end of an existing line, which we’ve been using for spinnaker sheets.

  • @jefferysmith9320
    @jefferysmith9320 8 місяців тому +1

    Glad I found your video. Very useful for me. Many thanks!

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  8 місяців тому

      Excellent - glad you found it useful!

  • @ourtechwriter
    @ourtechwriter 2 роки тому +2

    Very interesting; even from a simple person! Thank you.

  • @brucemcnair2
    @brucemcnair2 Рік тому

    Loved the vid.
    Can’t wait to start making some of my own

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Рік тому

      They’re super easy and useful - thanks for watching!!!

  • @greywindLOSP
    @greywindLOSP 2 роки тому +2

    Thank you sir you've made life alot easier!....ATB

  • @chrisheath623
    @chrisheath623 2 роки тому +8

    Another option which is simple and strong is the Ashley stopper knot. It seems well suited to dyneema. I found this on another channel called Bottom UP- Boats. I'm now subscribed to both!

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  2 роки тому +1

      That's a great suggestion - thanks so much!!! I'll try testing that out!

    • @ButtKoWitz
      @ButtKoWitz 2 роки тому +4

      I too use ashley stopper knots with my soft shackle (as well as button knots, which can be annoyingly confusing).

    • @Siravingmon
      @Siravingmon Рік тому

      Really clear, thanks!

  • @ricdonato4328
    @ricdonato4328 10 місяців тому +1

    The stopper knots I like using are the Ashley, figure eight and double figure eight, also the Stevedore.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  10 місяців тому

      Those are all good except I’ve never tried the Stevedore - I’ll look that up - thanks!

  • @josemariatrueba4568
    @josemariatrueba4568 5 місяців тому +1

    Super easy.
    many thanks!

  • @videotosse
    @videotosse 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks!
    Just the knowledge I needed :-)

  • @stanaardoom9945
    @stanaardoom9945 Рік тому +1

    Very useful, thanks!

  • @gkcamden9050
    @gkcamden9050 2 роки тому +1

    Useful info. Thank you. Subscribed

  • @harindergill7221
    @harindergill7221 2 роки тому +1

    Very useful. Thanks

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  2 роки тому

      Thanks - I’ve been using these for the past couple of years now with great success!

  • @landersen6453
    @landersen6453 2 роки тому +5

    Unbelievably quick and easy , and more that strong enough for the loads on my boat. I've seen seen a method where the unfinished ends a buried into the line - it's tidy and provides more thickness in the line. I'm thinking of trying that with the double figure 8, It would be interesting to see details of how you've used the shackles. I'm thinking of using one on an asym clew with new core dependent sheets. Hoping to make as smooth a connection as possible to avoid catching on the forestay. any tips would be appreciated

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  2 роки тому +2

      Thanks! Yes burying the ends back in does make for a stronger result and tidier finish, but these are so quick and easy that you can make them in the field as an emergency jury rig. I'll also do a video on creative uses of soft shackles - good idea! And I do also have a suggestion on how to make assym sheets using a simple technique - I'll do a video on that too. For the kite attachment, basically feed the Dyneema through itself, then add a simple figure eight. Feed the figure eight through the clew ring, and into the Dyneema loop which tightens on itself. It's like an integral soft shackle in the end of the line.

  • @NICOLAS25478
    @NICOLAS25478 2 роки тому +1

    It's brilliant and safe to use. I also like the way you test it. I think i have an even easier methode without going through the line. You bend the line in half and make the knot. To close the loop, you use a knot that kitesurfers use to attach their lines to the kite. I have no issues with it untill now. And as you tested your methode it also proves that my methode is not bad. It's super easy and cheap as you said it. Its also easy if you have to make a quick fix on the field. But i have to admit your methode is 100% bulletproof, mine a little bit less.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks for the idea - I’ll look up the kite surfer knot and try your suggestion too!

    • @NICOLAS25478
      @NICOLAS25478 2 роки тому +2

      I think you will like the simplicity of it. Its called a Larkshead knot seems.

    • @tanguerochas
      @tanguerochas 11 місяців тому

      The kite surfer knot is also called a cow hitch. It is two-half hitches with the direction of the second one reversed.

  • @scottcates
    @scottcates 9 місяців тому +1

    Figure 8 Stopper FTW💪

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  9 місяців тому

      Yes that’s the easiest/strongest combo IMHO! That said I did manage to lift the front of my car with a simple overhand knot soft shackle, so still pretty strong!
      The Amazing Lightweight Rope That Can Lift A Car!!! ua-cam.com/video/9shiekaQNT0/v-deo.html

  • @lleberghappy
    @lleberghappy 2 роки тому +3

    I'm about to test a double fisherman knot for easy soft shackles. If you bury the tailsback into the rope it sold should increase strength a lot too (bigger bend radius of noose)

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  2 роки тому

      When pushed really hard soft shackles typically break adjacent to the knot where the noose attaches, so burying the ends back in creates extra thickness there and helps mitigate that problem!

  • @lleberghappy
    @lleberghappy 2 роки тому +1

    Really nice with simple soft shackles. Instead of optimised knot you can increase line dimension one step. A little more cost and weight.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  2 роки тому

      Yes you can use this general noose technique and experiment with different types of stopper knots. Try it and let us know how it goes!

  • @ryane.7894
    @ryane.7894 2 роки тому +1

    This is great! You could also use fids!

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  2 роки тому +1

      Yes could definitely use fids!!! I improvised with a pen because most people have those lying around, although they are also becoming increasingly rare!

  • @frederickwood9116
    @frederickwood9116 10 місяців тому +1

    Nice. Thanks.

  • @PN_48
    @PN_48 5 місяців тому +1

    This is brilliant - thanks!! I’m new to soft shackles on our cruising trimaran and buying yacht shop shackles has been quite expensive. This will certainly help👍

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  5 місяців тому +1

      Glad you like it! You can experiment with different kinds of knots in non-critical applications and see what works best for you!

    • @PN_48
      @PN_48 5 місяців тому

      @@SailingTipsCa I just made 6 of them with 6mm Marlow D12 and the double overhand knot. Used two of our winches to really tighten them and they’re now holding up our barber hauler line off the deck. Will make a bigger one tomorrow for our spin and Code 0 aft blocks as well - thanks again!👍

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  5 місяців тому +1

      @@PN_48 Nice! I use them for attaching screacher and spin blocks as well!

    • @PN_48
      @PN_48 5 місяців тому +1

      @@SailingTipsCaAt 09:32 you mention (and picture) using a soft shackle at the mainsheet attachment for the boom… could you please elaborate? How do you stop the loop sliding on the boom / how did you fix it’s position?

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  5 місяців тому

      @@PN_48 Good question! The soft shackle passes through both the main sheet shackle below the boom and the sail clew ring above the beam, both of which can float somewhat fore and aft, however the final position at any one point in time is controlled by the sail draft (curvature) forward of the shackle and the outhaul line connected to the sail clew aft of the shackle. In other words, it’s all about managing the position of the sail clew fore and aft with the outhaul, and up and down with mainsheet tension. Does this help?

  • @FrankLassowski
    @FrankLassowski Рік тому

    wow, stumbled upon this and I learned a lot. Thank you! Actually I use dyneema here on my farm for various things, but also normal steel shackles. They have to retire now! 🙂

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Рік тому +1

      Glad you liked it! Did you see this video where I lift the front end of my car with a Dyneema soft shackle? The Amazing Lightweight Rope That Can Lift A Car!!! ua-cam.com/video/9shiekaQNT0/v-deo.html

    • @FrankLassowski
      @FrankLassowski Рік тому +1

      @@SailingTipsCa yep, of course I watched it 🤣😉

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Рік тому

      @@FrankLassowski Cool - I love Dyneema!!!

  • @kolobcreek
    @kolobcreek 2 місяці тому +1

    Test a double overhand! Would still ve super simple and easier to remeber for us non-knott heads.

  • @grandmasterflash213
    @grandmasterflash213 9 місяців тому

    Hey man great video! I appreciate the real tests! I saw another video of making dyneema soft shackles, the best I’ve seen, more complicated than yours but still no difficult knots. Do brummel splices in each end, bury the tails, do the little off-centre tuck thru loop as with yours, then tie the two loop ends in an overhand knot, pass the free end thru both loops to make a huge captive knot that can’t slip. I’ll get the link

    • @grandmasterflash213
      @grandmasterflash213 9 місяців тому

      ua-cam.com/video/o4J4hJoJFHg/v-deo.htmlsi=hEzFP5b3kaadz_Gc

    • @grandmasterflash213
      @grandmasterflash213 9 місяців тому

      Soft shackle at 17:30

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  9 місяців тому

      @@grandmasterflash213 For some reason UA-cam doesn’t like links to other channels in comments - it seems to auto-delete them! I’ve seen the one you’re talking about though and it looks pretty bomb-proof!!!

  • @bybeka1
    @bybeka1 Рік тому

    Wonderful!

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Рік тому

      Thanks - just made a new video on them too! The Amazing Lightweight Rope That Can Lift A Car!!! ua-cam.com/video/9shiekaQNT0/v-deo.html

  • @danielswords3969
    @danielswords3969 8 місяців тому +1

    I have used the flat overhand knot as the button knot on multiple soft shackles on my Alberg 30 (including my jib sheet to genoa clew and mainsheet to traveler shackle) for several years. When tying the flat overhand knot (ABOK 1410) I leave a longer tail as recommended by European mountain climbers. Also, instead of a simple Brummel eye splice, might a bury splice be more secure in a flogging situation (ie jib sheets)? Excellent instructions, thank you.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  8 місяців тому

      Glad to hear you’ve successfully used these too! Yes a bury splice might be better in some situations but I haven’t found the simple eye splice to be problematic yet… Good tip on leaving the tails long!

  • @bendoring2274
    @bendoring2274 2 роки тому +3

    It's amazing that the dyneema soft shackle works with a figure-of-eight knot. So a much more complicated diamond or other comparable knots are not necessary at all?

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  2 роки тому +6

      I know - I often don’t even bother with the double figure-of-eight and just use a double overhand knot! Maybe the fancy knots are like a secret handshake or something like that! A freshly tied double overhand or figure-of-eight knot will pull out instead of actually breaking the line, which I think the secret handshakers were afraid of, but most people don’t apply that much load. And once they are well-set with a few good load cycles they will be much less likely to pull out. I doubt the double overhand soft shackles I’ve been using for my main sheet, spinnaker, and screacher blocks would pull out now…

  • @RC-bl2pm
    @RC-bl2pm 2 роки тому +2

    I just came off building a bunch of these. I must say that the diamond knot is really not difficult to tie at all. For a highly capable guy like yourself that can perform all these hydraulic break strength tests and sail a race boat the lanyard knot is pretty simple. Id recommend the diamond lanyard over the overhand. The button knot is a bit tougher so the diamond lanyard is a nice compromise.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  2 роки тому +6

      I totally agree - if you can tie a Diamond knot then do it!
      I first tied soft shackles with an overhand knot a couple of years ago shortly after we got our F-82R trimaran when I was experimenting with different spinnaker and screacher sheeting locations on the aft beam and wanted something where I could easily adjust the length of the shackle on the water. It truly was a jury rig and I was expecting them to blow up on the first sail, but they didn’t.
      Six months later, we blew up the diamond knot soft shackle that connects the main sheet to the boom (due to chafe and not inherent strength of the shackle or knot). I didn’t have a long enough diamond knot shackle on hand to replace it but I did have a long overhand shackle on the boat, so I used it, also expecting it to blow up due to the higher loads, but again it didn’t.
      For the next two years I kept using these overhand knot shackles in progressively heavier conditions with no issues whatsoever when I saw a forum post asking “Can you tie a soft shackle with something simpler than a diamond knot, like an overhand knot?” I had the answer and it was a resounding “yes”, so I decided to do a UA-cam video on it and post the video in the response. But before I posted the video I thought I had better do some empirical strength testing. So the progression was somewhat backwards to what you might expect 1) jury rig 2) field testing 3) empirical testing.
      Regardless, I will agree that if you can tie a Diamond knot then stick with that!

    • @RC-bl2pm
      @RC-bl2pm 2 роки тому

      @@SailingTipsCa yeah when i went with the diamond i was wondering if i left something on the table by not using a button...but if a get that reduced rating...of 3000lbs?....did it matter? I need maybe 200 lbs...and that buttons a pain!...so yeah i take your point as well

    • @JasperJanssen
      @JasperJanssen 9 місяців тому

      I’ve tied button knot soft shackles, and they’re *fine*, but I cannot get that knot into my head. The diamond knot, on the other hand, is easy to tie by heart - I even did some experimentation in how I could do it wrong and what to avoid.
      Afaik the difference in the strength is pretty much entirely because with the button knot, the noose goes around four strands instead of two. Makes you wonder whether you can’t just bury a short piece of filler inside the two strands at that location and get the same benefit.

  • @peterstucki3685
    @peterstucki3685 2 роки тому +1

    Excellent

  • @Mrmizilplix
    @Mrmizilplix 2 роки тому

    Good info

  • @Viajandoavela
    @Viajandoavela 14 днів тому

    Thanks!

  • @hobononono3435
    @hobononono3435 Рік тому +1

    I make similar to these the only difference is I make an Ashley Stopper knot (it’s tricky with 2 lines but can be done) as these are larger than normal and much easier than tying a diamond.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Рік тому

      Yes I think the Ashley stopper knot is a great alternative!!!

  • @jodamo5953
    @jodamo5953 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks

  • @aaronrroy
    @aaronrroy 8 місяців тому +1

    I am no expert in knots. One thing I have seen in off roading test videos is instead of having the knot in the middle of the connection it is placed at the end. In testing they did, it is a stronger connection

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  8 місяців тому

      Definitely lots of ways to make this stronger! But Dyneema is so strong that this technique is still more than strong enough for many applications as I show in this video: The Amazing Lightweight Rope That Can Lift A Car!!! ua-cam.com/video/9shiekaQNT0/v-deo.html

  • @thomasnewton9818
    @thomasnewton9818 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks. Would these work for reefing a sail? Or is there a better faster singlehanded reefing method? I'm a fairly new sailor. It's for an OzGoose dingy.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  2 роки тому +1

      You can definitely use for reefing - I explain one approach in my reefing video at ua-cam.com/video/zUJ_eQU6z5Q/v-deo.html. I use this shackle for the third reef on our F-82R trimaran, because it's very deep and I don't want to leave those really long reef lines rigged all the time. You generally need to lower the sail to get control of it, then insert the soft shackle and re-hoist. If you leave it partly raised the flogging may make it difficult to get control of the clew, although the OzGoose is a pretty small boat so you might be able to leave it partly hoisted. You could also try leaving the soft shackles inserted into the reefing cringles and secured with a small piece of whipping twine so they they don't fall out. Have you talked to other OzGoose sailors to see what they do?

    • @thomasnewton9818
      @thomasnewton9818 2 роки тому

      @@SailingTipsCa
      Thanks

  • @mistastabs5840
    @mistastabs5840 Рік тому

    Very good... What about the "Ashley's stopper knot" quick easy to tie and very strong.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Рік тому

      That’s a great suggestion!!!

    • @ianshaw23
      @ianshaw23 Рік тому +1

      Do you have any experience using this type of soft-shackle in a situation where the load frequently changes? An example would be a drogue where there is load and then no load. 🤔

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Рік тому +1

      @@ianshaw23 Good question! I haven’t used it on a drogue, but do use it for main, screacher, and spinnaker sheet blocks that have constant load while the sail is flying but do go slack and can get thrashed about when tacking and gybing. These kinds of variable loads actually seem to help set the knot and I’ve never had an issue with one flogging itself loose.

    • @mistastabs5840
      @mistastabs5840 Рік тому +1

      @@ianshaw23 Yep, I use them for camping e.g. Tarp shelters, hammocks, working around the house, lashing down equipment.

  • @jefferynichols2549
    @jefferynichols2549 8 місяців тому +1

    Would love to have you tie the double figure 8 slowly, so I can learn it

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  8 місяців тому

      This video (by somebody else) gives you a good basic idea: ua-cam.com/video/a9CukNwBsJo/v-deo.html The only difference is that the soft shackle has two bitter ends instead of a loop but the knot technique is the same.

  • @shaggyrandy1264
    @shaggyrandy1264 2 роки тому +1

    Very informative
    double speed without sound

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  2 роки тому

      LOL - no need to listen to me rambling then!!!

    • @shaggyrandy1264
      @shaggyrandy1264 2 роки тому +1

      @@SailingTipsCa I remember concepts rather than directions.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  2 роки тому +1

      @@shaggyrandy1264 I totally get it - I’m much more of a visual/conceptual learner too! If there’s too much text and no pictures my eyes just glaze over…

  • @cal1776
    @cal1776 2 роки тому +1

    How would the Ashley stopper knot work?

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  2 роки тому +1

      I think it would work great! I'm planning to tie one and test it in an upcoming video.

  • @benoitcosials
    @benoitcosials Рік тому

    Hi, I just discover that the « biggest » problem of dyneema is that it expand in cold weather. Have you experienced that? What is your take on this? Thanks for your insight

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Рік тому

      I haven’t really noticed or found it to be a problem. We use Dyneema stays for our mast and bowsprit, plus lots of other things. I know lots of other boats that use Dyneema rigging too and they haven’t said anything about temperature sensitivity either. But it’s also not that cold in the winter or hot in the summer here (West Coast BC Canada) so maybe a bigger problem in other places? Hope this helps!

  • @martinhafner2201
    @martinhafner2201 2 роки тому +1

    If you tie an ashley's bend (abok 1452) and then capsize the tail "hole" over the head "hole", that should make a two strand diamond knot.
    I guess the trick is to find the simplest two strand stopper that is very stable. I'm nervous about the figure 8 as a two strand stopper.
    The climbers have had bad experiences with that as a "flat bend" where you pull the legs apart and load it at 180 degrees to get a flat side that will slide across obstructions or ridges. The standard way is with an overhand knot, known as the European Death Knot. Some people were worried about the overhand knot capsizing at a low load and tried the figure 8 instead. It capsized at a much lower load and rolled off the end of the tails, making it worse, not better.
    I realize this application is not the 180 degree loading, but more of a stopper loading at zero degrees, but I would want more testing of rolling on perhaps not perfectly set figure 8 knots to see how sensitive it is. In the EDK vs Fig8 testing, quality of set was a critical factor.
    I have a strong interest in making soft shackles in the field for camping. You can save a lot of weight by carrying a few feet of amsteel blue type cord instead of a bunch of aluminum carabiners that you might use in slinging bear bags, improvising suspended bedding and things like that. Suspended bedding tends to get some harsh loads from shallow suspension angles multiplying the midway load a lot.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  2 роки тому +2

      You’re absolutely right that the key is to find a two-strand stopper that is both very stable and easy to tie. I’ll look into your Ashley bend recommendation.
      You’re also absolutely right that a flat figure eight bend performs poorly where you pull the two legs apart, because it rolls over itself and comes apart. We actually did a test of this versus a double overhand knot, where we took two strands of climber’s rope, put a double figure eight in one end, double overhand knot in the other, and tried to pull them apart from the middle with a hydraulic jack. The results were exactly as you described - the overhand knot performed far better in this application.
      We have it on video so I just posted it as a short (ua-cam.com/users/shortsLjR5JRGyaxI). I was reluctant to do so previously because it’s not a typical sailing knot or configuration, and I thought it might confuse people, but I have it so why not!?!?
      On the other hand the figure 8 appears to perform better as a stopper knot, particularly in slippery Dyneema applications, where the legs are not pulled apart.
      All of that said, I just use the double overhand knot in the soft shackles on my boat because they’re strong enough for my needs. Thanks for your comments!!!

    • @martinhafner2201
      @martinhafner2201 2 роки тому

      @@SailingTipsCa Thanks for the clip. That's fun to see!
      I know a few simple single strand stoppers with good performance, but most of the big, strong double strand stoppers take some work.
      For more security and more work, a lanyard knot (a.k.a. bosun's whistle knot, abok 787) might be really secure. I'm comfortable with tying it because it is just a double carrick bend with the most obvious follow throughs.
      There's also a fun sort of finger jig technique for tying it that usually goes along with the boatswain's whistle knot demo.
      But you're right, unless you're really close to the line strength, it doesn't matter that much.
      My hammock strap system is using brummel spliced eyes and a long friction tube adjuster in hollow braid amsteel blue, so it already has a pretty efficient build so I'm using minimal sized line for that . Field built is usually over-sized for simplicity.
      I probably just don't like overhand knots much. I wonder how the double fisherman's bend (a.k.a. grapevine - abok 1415) in the tail performs. it's really easy to tie. That was one of the fixes to improve strength/stability on the overhand flat bend in the climber's investigation. You're never going to untie it after full loading though.

  • @mlake07
    @mlake07 8 місяців тому +1

    There's a UA-cam channel...'how knot 2' that has a lab set up for these kind of tests. They mostly test rock climbing gear and slack line anchors but have very accurate measurements. Perhaps you could work with them to get more precision. And you could easily try many knot configurations.
    I use a larkshead knot in lieu of your awl poke through step. Much easier but I've never tested for strength.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  8 місяців тому

      Yes I’ve seen some of their tests on that great test rig they have - good suggestion! Not sure if you’ve seen my other crude test of this knot where I lift the front of my car? ua-cam.com/video/9shiekaQNT0/v-deo.html

  • @tanguerochas
    @tanguerochas 11 місяців тому

    The stats I've seen with the Diamond knot are higher than your quote, I think 170%-200%%, and with the button knot and leads buried in the line, 230%. Nevertheless, what you have is certainly easier to tie and very useful. Much quicker to put together in a pinch.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  11 місяців тому

      I didn’t actually test the Diamond knot myself but used the figures from this website: www.balancecommunity.com/blogs/slack-science/a-comparison-of-soft-shackle-methods.
      Burying the tails back into the line will definitely increase the strength, also for the overhand knot.
      What I did instead was start with the easiest soft shackles to tie and then test to see if they were “good enough”.

  • @markwilson8632
    @markwilson8632 Рік тому +2

    Working 18 years as an Australian Army parachute rigger, if we did not want a not to slip we tied thumb knots in the running ends. I can’t see how that would not work for the dyneema??? Just my 2 cents worth.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Рік тому

      You mean like this? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overhand_knot#/media/File:Overhandknot.jpg I've seen people use that technique in finishing net lashings with Dyneema so why not?

  • @sholland42
    @sholland42 Рік тому +1

    They don’t call it the bitter end for nothing.

  • @bsdtec814
    @bsdtec814 2 роки тому

    Do the soft shackles require any yank protection ? If used to hank on a jib does the stainless wire rigging eat through naked dyneema quick time ?

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  2 роки тому +1

      I’ve used Dyneema hanks on synthetic and stainless rod forestays, but never on stainless wire. That said it would probably work too, as stainless wire is also fairly smooth when in good condition, the loads on the hanks aren’t that high (relative to other applications) and Dyneema is quite abrasion resistant. The main type of Dyneema hank I’ve used had a Dyneema loop sewn into one side of the sail, which loops around the forestay, and is captured by a Velcro closure sewn into the other side, like Velcro shoes for kids. I’ve only ever had Dyneema abrade through on sharp edges, but never on anything rounded. Do you have grommets on your sail?

  • @tanguerochas
    @tanguerochas Рік тому +1

    You can greatly increase the strength of this by tying the knot on a pair of brummel splices at the ends and then looping the knot completely through the two eye splices. The bury must extend a couple of inches beyond the beginning of the knot. This requires more line, and if this breaks, it will break in the loop. See ua-cam.com/video/jU_mmdbQeCQ/v-deo.html

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Рік тому

      Yes that variant is much stronger, and beefs up the weak points adjacent to the knot as you noted! I did some fun practical testing of the “weak” variant in this video: The Amazing Lightweight Rope That Can Lift A Car!!! ua-cam.com/video/9shiekaQNT0/v-deo.html

  • @Cous1nJack
    @Cous1nJack Рік тому +1

    Strands are bundles. Fibres make up strands.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Рік тому

      Yes you want to part the bundles - thanks for the clarification!

  • @JG-po5cv
    @JG-po5cv Рік тому

    This method of overhand knot soft shackle makes loops on the tails and puts them over the knot. That stops the knot from rolling undone. ua-cam.com/video/jU_mmdbQeCQ/v-deo.html Break tests at the end too!

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Рік тому +1

      Yes this is a great technique, a bit more complicated though and harder to execute in the field (e.g. on a pitching boat when you need one fast)!!!

  • @hafsalinda
    @hafsalinda Рік тому

    Slip a larkshead knot over your stopper knot and feel more secure.

  • @kiereluurs1243
    @kiereluurs1243 Рік тому

    But WHY not using stainless steel, or simpler cord for mildly loaded applications?
    Never heard of this tinkering.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Рік тому

      You could use stainless, although it's more expensive, and tends to come in limited sizes determined by the manufacturer. You can make these any size! You can also use any cheaper single-braid line for more mildly-loaded applications. Just made a new video on this which uses a really long shackle! The Amazing Lightweight Rope That Can Lift A Car!!! ua-cam.com/video/9shiekaQNT0/v-deo.html

  • @user-vk2ne9jj9o
    @user-vk2ne9jj9o 6 місяців тому +1

    Interesting video. I can understand the idea of chasing a dream “tie a simple knot on slippery line”. What confuses me is using a knot that slips (not really a knot, a couple of bends on a line) in a critical control system on a boat ( i.e. holding your mainsheet rigging to the boom). Ok you can mitigate that by using larger diameter dyneema at higher cost, but why?
    Or.. you can study the way to tie a knot that does not slip. I had the joy of meeting a master rigger Mr. Brian Toss at a boat show. He demonstrated his knot creation using dyneema to tie soft shackles. I tie soft shackles using his knot. When tested on a commercial stress machine designed to OSHA certify rigging for commercial rigging use, my SK78 Amsteel soft shackle made using 3/16 diameter line failed at 10,800 lbs of force. The break occurred in the middle of the shackle line, not the knot or the end loop. This convinced me that the knot design had zero failure. The failure point was in the way the 12plait threads constricted over the square buried ends of the knot in the line. An easy fix. I tapered the buried ends.
    Using the correct tool for the job is always better than making do, for a craftsman or seaman.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  6 місяців тому

      It’s really useful to know how much strength you actually need for any given application so you can size everything appropriately, including lines, blocks, and knots! I think it’s completely amazing that a 3/16 soft shackle can hold up to 10,800 lbs, but for most boats under 40’ / 12m most sailing loads are less than a third of that. To put things in perspective my “weak” soft shackle is still strong enough to lift a compact car. The Amazing Lightweight Rope That Can Lift A Car!!! ua-cam.com/video/9shiekaQNT0/v-deo.html Also sailing loads tend to be more dynamic than the smooth pull of a hydraulic press and those dynamic loads tend to set knots rather than pulling them out. All the overhand bend soft shackles on my boat are rock hard and none has ever failed. Rather the only Dyneema failures I’ve ever had on my boat were due to chafe.

  • @michaelquigley1411
    @michaelquigley1411 Рік тому +1

    Good stuff, but if you're going to demonstrate rope-work you should really get yourself a set of fids.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Рік тому

      Yes fids are certainly far better than a pen!!! I chose to use the pen because most people have those lying around…

  • @kayzinti4452
    @kayzinti4452 Рік тому

    "says Dyneema is really slippery and doesn't hold knots well, then ties simple knot for soft shackle knob. Knot slips." This kinda bugs me - I'd far rather have a soft shackle that breaks before the knot unties. For that, James from Sailing Zingaro demonstrates a soft shackle that still uses a simple overhand knot, but the free ends have simple spliced loops spliced in that the rest of the soft shackle runs thru. This stops the ends from pulling through and the soft shackle can not come untied. Pretty slick - ua-cam.com/video/o4J4hJoJFHg/v-deo.html HowNot2 also has a demo on this type, and they did break tests using a strain gauge! ua-cam.com/video/jU_mmdbQeCQ/v-deo.html Peruse their videos for other useful knot and sailing info, too.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  Рік тому +1

      Those are great videos! It really depends on your use case as to how complex you need to go. When I said “doesn’t hold knots very well” I was referring to the misconception that knots Dyneema are useless, when in fact it takes quite a bit of force to pull them out. My simple shackle could lift a Toyota Corolla before the knot pulls out, which I think is still pretty useful for lots of applications, even though a more advanced shackle with the same line could lift more. The benefit of the Sailing Zingaro technique is that the bury doubles up the Dyneema where it normally breaks too, so it’s a very good technique, just a bit more complex.

  • @andraxification
    @andraxification 11 місяців тому

    All knots in dyneema will slip. If you chock load it, the dyneema will melt. Button knot with buried ends will not fale ever, is not hard to learn and will make you sleep at night knowing your soft shackles are as strong as they can be.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  11 місяців тому

      Yes knots do slip in Dyneema but you can still load them up pretty good before anything bad happens. In this video I lift the front end of my car with a tractor bucket using this soft shackle, and repeatedly shake it up and down, and it holds with this particular load: ua-cam.com/video/9shiekaQNT0/v-deo.html

    • @andraxification
      @andraxification 11 місяців тому

      @@SailingTipsCa yeah, but a button knot is till better.

    • @SailingTipsCa
      @SailingTipsCa  11 місяців тому +1

      @@andraxification Totally agree!

  • @svZia-Switch51
    @svZia-Switch51 9 місяців тому +1

    Very useful, thanks!