Favorite
Email
video The $5.00 slackline!
If you want to experiment with a slackline but don't want to invest in expensive mountain climbing equipment, here's a way to try it out for just $5.00.
CAUTION! This method is not to be used as a highline! You will probably only get four or five uses out of the tape before it begins to fray. Once that happens you should replace the tape. This method should only be used to see if you like slacklining enough to invest in good equipment.
Here's what you'll need.
2 ea. welded steel rings (75¢ ea.)
2 ea. welded "D" rings (75¢ ea.)
1 ea. Steel "S" hook ($1.99)
100' of polyester wire pulling tape. (5¢-10¢ per foot, but most electricians use it once and throw it away, so if you're resourceful you can get it for free)
CAUTION! This method is not to be used as a highline! You will probably only get four or five uses out of the tape before it begins to fray. Once that happens you should replace the tape. This method should only be used to see if you like slacklining enough to invest in good equipment.
Here's what you'll need.
2 ea. welded steel rings (75¢ ea.)
2 ea. welded "D" rings (75¢ ea.)
1 ea. Steel "S" hook ($1.99)
100' of polyester wire pulling tape. (5¢-10¢ per foot, but most electricians use it once and throw it away, so if you're resourceful you can get it for free)
these parts are not designed for the strain and pressure you are putting them under. I understand that it can be expensive to to make a line but I highly recommend getting some quality beiners. (Alternatively find your newest climbing shop and try and find some one with retired beiners, they may be to old for rock climbing but for slack lining they will be fine) Also tubular webbing is much better for slack lining compared to flat tape.
In particularly the S hook is the weakest link. AND IT CAN CAUSE FLYING METAL. Now I guess its not much of a problem in your back yard but when you put it in a play ground it becomes a liability.
This, as stated, is an experimental setup. Anyone using it will tire of it in short order and graduate to a better rig...which realistically will cost $80-100. And the idea of using cast away biners from a climbing shop is the most dangerous idea I've heard yet. Retired climbing equipment has only one purpose...taking up space in a landfill. No climbing shop with any ethics would sell used gear to anyone.
"And the idea of using cast away biners from a climbing shop is the most dangerous idea I've heard yet. " I use my old biners all the time and so do 100's of climbers around the world.
"Retired climbing equipment has only one purpose...taking up space in a landfill. No climbing shop with any ethics would sell used gear to anyone." If you had done any research on the matter you would know that quality rock climbing gear is worth hundreds of dollars. If you want to throw away good equipment be my guest.
You have a very hostile tone. I recommend a more even temper here.
Thake care with flying metal!!!
Please look at the commands of slackers worldwide to this set up; http://forum.slackline.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1414
If you want to make a slackline (= very good idea) use this set up;
http://www.nwslackline.org/344/howto-rig-a-primitive-slackline-hd-video
All the best and please keep yourselfe in one peace....
Robin
Being an experience slackliner, I know what safe and proper equipment is needed to have a safe slackline. Lots of these pieces of hardware can brake and cannot withstand the amount of pressure put on them. This may not be the case in the video, but notice how his slackline is only 6 feet long and he doesn't even walk on it.
Instead, be safe, and go buy carabiners and strong webbing. Although a bit more expensive, it is safer, and will last you a lot longer.
This setup is entirely experimental! It is only intended to for you to determine your level of interest and see if purchase of a regular slackline setup is justified.
THERE IS NOTHING DANGEROUS ABOUT THIS SETUP!
The worst thing that can happen is that you will fall two feet if the band breaks.
I've heard many hyped statements from slackline salesmen who threaten being impaled by flying metal and other ridiculous & paranoid comments. Wild and unfounded accusations of stresses that could never be generated by a person of any weight. Mentions of physics with no science to back it up. The list goes on.
This is an experiment! Treat it as such.
I would say that your tape might last longer if there was a diet included, but Instructables has a "be nice" comment policy, so I won't go there ;-)
Seriously, I wonder if two layers of the tape might give you the same endurance as the commercial products? Possibly spot weld with epoxy every few inches, or even sew together with polyester thread.