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Pigtail DIY

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topmick
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Pigtail DIY

Postby topmick » Wed Sep 28, 2016 1:12 am

Hi, I'm making some pigtails out of 4mm dyneema - what knot do the Kite manufacturers use please ?

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Re: Pigtail DIY

Postby edt » Wed Sep 28, 2016 1:23 am

kite manufacturers usually use a sewn loop plus an overhand knot. I usually use 2mm dyneema splicing a loop and inserting either an overhand knot or figure 8 into the loop. 4mm dyneema is crazy over rated for a pigtail, between 1 and 2 tons breaking strength. use whatever knot you like, I would probably use a simple overhand knot and then use a lighter on the ends to make sure it doesn't unravel. Actually I would probably use 4mm for something else and get some 2mm dyneema, as 4mm is so much thicker than you need on a pigtail.

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Re: Pigtail DIY

Postby GregK » Wed Sep 28, 2016 1:27 am

+1 for overhand knot & 4mm line being over-kill, usually 7/64-inch / 2.5mm diameter single-braid Dyneema
i.e. https://www.pksdistribution.com/proddet ... al_pigtail

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Re: Pigtail DIY

Postby topmick » Wed Sep 28, 2016 1:37 am

Ok, thanks - I just tried to eye off what size dyneema the original Switch pigtails were made of. Had some 3mm & 5mm to compare & looked like 4mm to me.

Overhand knot it is...

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Re: Pigtail DIY

Postby Bushflyr » Wed Sep 28, 2016 5:03 am

Use a figure 8. It's a slightly bigger knot and you can get the damn thing loose when you need to tweak it later.

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Re: Pigtail DIY

Postby topmick » Wed Sep 28, 2016 8:07 am

$42US delivered to Australia, pretty similar price as the original Switch ones (which were 4mm after all).

Made mine for about $5.00 :thumb:

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Re: Pigtail DIY

Postby Mossy 757 » Wed Sep 28, 2016 3:02 pm

You could lift a truck with 4mm...1.1 to 1.5 is enough for kiteline.

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Re: Pigtail DIY

Postby BWD » Wed Sep 28, 2016 3:07 pm

The reason to overspec pigtails is that they are constantly flexed around small diameters and get sand in them. They can get pretty soft and fuzzy after a bit. 2.5mm is ok in initial strength, but how long will you trust it?
3-4mm can last years, so not a bad idea if you kite in sandy areas, or get bored splicing new pigtails...

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Re: Pigtail DIY

Postby Bille » Wed Sep 28, 2016 3:30 pm

BWD wrote:The reason to overspec pigtails is that they are constantly flexed around small diameters and get sand in them. They can get pretty soft and fuzzy after a bit.
...
I build my Pigtails out of Q-Power line ; the fine braided outer sheath, helps keep the sand out.

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Re: Pigtail DIY

Postby Mossy 757 » Wed Sep 28, 2016 4:30 pm

:remybussi:
BWD wrote:The reason to overspec pigtails is that they are constantly flexed around small diameters and get sand in them. They can get pretty soft and fuzzy after a bit. 2.5mm is ok in initial strength, but how long will you trust it?
3-4mm can last years, so not a bad idea if you kite in sandy areas, or get bored splicing new pigtails...
Agreed if you want to trust any gear for multiple years you should over build significantly.

I replace lines approx every 6 to 8 months, advice id give every kiter regardless of their riding style. For the exact reason you gave, I would not exempt pigtails from that schedule.


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