Multi-Function Walking Stick IV - Grip Strap

Add a hand strap to your walking stick; made from continuous rope rings, to create a clean custom grip without the bulk of a knot.

This is part 4 in the Multi-Function Walking Stick Instructable series.

The Original Multi-Function Walking Stick Instructable series includes the following:
Part 1:  Make a three piece walking stick that converts into a Camp Chair.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Multi-Function-Walking-Stick-Converts-into-a-Cha/

Part 2: Add copper ends to a staff creating a bottom tip & a storage compartment on top.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Multi-Function-Walking-Stick-II-Storage-Compart/

Part 3:  Add a flaming torch to the top of a staff to light your way
http://www.instructables.com/id/Multi-function-Walking-Stick-III-Torch-Bearer/

Part 4: Starts here...
It describes how to add a customized hand strap to the Multi-function Walking Stick using a rope winding technique to create a functional grip while improving the overall  finished appearance of the staff.

 Best of all, it utilizes an attachment feature already present in the Multi-Funcition Walking stick design.
Thus, it can be added or removed instantly without tools.

Step 1: Copper Fitting Joint

Since publishing the first Multi-Function Walking Stick Instructable, I have received a few comments about the gap between the threaded copper fittings. 

As seen in the photo, the copper fittings joining the threee sections of the staff have some exposed threads when screwed together. 

The threads on the fittings have an increasing diameter taper by design, to ensure that at some point the threads will bottom out. This ensures a tight joint when threaded together however, it means the threads will tighten down and stop turning before the shoulders of the fittings meet.

Its almost as if the plumbers that designed these fittings were more concerned with achieveing a water proof joint without any consideration to how exposed threads would detract from the appearance when used as hiking stick fasteners....Imagine that!

Actually, this is a good thing...
That remaining gap is an opportunity to a add yet another functional feature to the Multi-Function Walking Stick.  The gap becomes a fixing point for a hand strap.

Comments

[Kevin the Science Nerd]

I love your walking stick ideas. I am an avid hiker and I am always looking for multipurpose gear to save weight. I have recently become addicted to bringing tiki torches on hikes with friends. Keeping a fire bright enough to see each other at night takes a lot of wood. Just one or two tiki torch refills duct taped to a stick makes a world of difference. That being said, do you have any idea how much the whole thing weighs, including the torch? When I build mine, I am planning on converting the basic idea into a 4 section double ski pole design. This would allow me 2 4' torches or a seat and one short torch. Do you have any other ideas for the fourth section? Maybe a hollowed out section with a survival kit? One idea I had was to somehow incorporate a hollow section in that fourth one and put a couple 18650 rechargeables and a 5v USB outlet in there so you could turn it into an aux power source for a GPS, or a phone, or whatever.

[travw]

This series is the coolest I've seen in a long time. The details tell me you really put a lot of thought into it as a whole. Thank you.

-Trav

[gmyers2112]

if this is really going to be a one stick fits all kinda thing, one of the sections needs to become a firearm of some sort. Perhaps a zip gun style or bang stick type 12 0r 20 gauge or a .22lr used for survival protien gathering (squirrels, rabbits, birds, etc). The bullets or shells (stored in the tube) would also provide raw materials for survival techniques like fire starting and emergency first aid as well as metal (brass) to fashion into arrowheads if the need arises (22s are great for that since the already act as end caps for small sticks. A little pounding and you have a pointy projectile.)

[l8nite]

This is a great addition and a well done "ible" , Ive tried several variations of adding a loop to my staffs for assistance in standing but haven't been overly thrilled with the results, Im going to have to give this try.

[sukinmaru]

What is with you and walking sticks? lol
You must do a lot of hiking!

[l8nite]

walking sticks, staffs and canes have more purposes than just hiking, there are those of us who use them everyday. Personally after a couple of injuries I have difficulty standing for any length of time without pain so a staff comes in handy as a support. I have 5 different staffs of shoulder height and a good number of walking sticks and canes.

[RedneckEngineer]

Nice idea as a add on. I made up to step 3 as a gift for my brother-in-law in 09' and it turned out very cool. I did a few decorations different than what you did but the handle would have been great, wish I had thought of it!