sling shot tensioners

[donredondo]

Sling Shot Tarp Tensioner........as shown on Just Jeffs site.............

here's a variation on Jeffs s/shot tensioner, based on the old surfleash designs. Apologies to you all if this is common practice.

Take your s/shot rubbers and cut the ends off. you should have two lengths of surgical tubing. [If it's solid rubber disregard the rest of this tip ] Take off the tarp tie outs and put a boline or overhand loop in one end. the loop needs to be around 2" long when tight.


http://hikinghq.net/forum/attachment...ntid=204&stc=1
end-loop.jpg

Slip the tubing over the line and run it down to the eye end and slip about an inch over the knot. [if you have problems at this point and further along stick the tubing into hot water for a few seconds and then it should be pliable enough to work over the knots]

tie a length of thin cord [I use braided nylon stripping line] very tightly around the tubing on the loop side of the knot. In fact whip it as tightly as you can.

http://hikinghq.net/forum/attachment...ntid=205&stc=1
loop-whipping.jpg

Hook the loop around something handy and then carefully stretch the tubing out and up the line, which you will see disappearing into the tube.

when you've gone as far as you think neccessary [around 75% of stretch capacity sounds about right] mark this point off. Let go of the tubing and tie a knot here.

http://hikinghq.net/forum/attachment...ntid=206&stc=1
mid-point-knot.jpg

Tie that end of the cord somewhere handy, without any slack, and restretch the tubing back over this knot, + an inch. hold it there [a third hand helps] tie that stripping line round it ..tight.


http://hikinghq.net/forum/attachment...ntid=200&stc=1
set-up-after-stretching-and.jpg

Roll both ends back over the securing cords so that they're hidden and out of the way. Release the line. notice how the tubing returns to its original length, with the guy line neatly coiled up inside...... no more snaggles

http://hikinghq.net/forum/attachment...ntid=207&stc=1
completed.jpg


This is how all surfboard leashes were made before the advent of eurethane. If you have a friendly surgeon ask him for some 10mm surgical tubing! needless to say this can be ysed for tent guys etc, anywhere you need an auto-retensioner.