Kris 0 #1 October 5, 2004 Well, here's another thing to add to your check-lists... I usually use closing loops that I fingertrap from gutted 550 cord. I treated the last one with Cypres silicone and it had been going strong for about 60 jumps but was finally showing some fray. So, I decided to throw on the closing loop I got from Jumpshack on my Mirage. It's made from 1000# spectra. Well, imagine my surprise when I pulled the cover flap back and saw the bottom of my closing loop. The washer that keeps the knot from slipping through the grommet on the container flap had sawed through about 70-75% of the closing loop! It was a premie/horseshoe just waiting to happen. I was able to put a rod through the loop and snap it with a few sharp tugs. I checked both the grommet and the washer and there are no burrs or nicked edges. It was simply the thin washer slicing the cord over time. I'm not using the washer with the spectra loop as it's thick enough that the knot isn't going to go through the grommet, but those of you who have been using your loops awhile definitely need to check this one out.Sky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #2 October 5, 2004 Good post kris. I actually had to replace Val's a few weeks ago cause her washer was in bad shape. Just another thing people need to check. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #3 October 5, 2004 Ahhh... I just check mine... THANK YOU !!! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #4 October 5, 2004 Explain to me why this would be a horseshoe. Maybe I am not understanding the point of failure on your closing loop. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #5 October 5, 2004 If the closing loop breaks above the knot it does'nt matter if its at the base or in the loop, its all a broken closing loop and could lead to the main falling out at any time in freefall.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masher 1 #6 October 5, 2004 QuoteExplain to me why this would be a horseshoe. Maybe I am not understanding the point of failure on your closing loop. If the loop broke, and the container opened in freefall, you would have a horseshoe.-- Arching is overrated - Marlies Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #7 October 5, 2004 QuoteIf the loop broke, and the container opened in freefall, you would have a horseshoe. Unless you had a pull out in which case your pilot chute would also be exposed to the airstream and you'd just get a canopy.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #8 October 5, 2004 Okay. I guess you are assuming that the failure will happen BEFORE the pilot chute is deployed. In mind, I would assume that the failure would occur when there was actual movement. But then again, we all know what A.S.S.U.ME stands for. Clearly the fact remains to maintenance your gear and check for friction and abraision. I am just curious to see if an actual failure would occur with the constant pressure of a closed container, if it didn't go when you were yanking the closing loop around to get the sucker closed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymedic 0 #9 October 5, 2004 QuoteUnless you had a pull out in which case your pilot chute would also be exposed to the air streem and you'd just get a canopy. and at Kris's sit fly speeds...OUCH...but much better than a nasty horsey playing around back there. Marc otherwise known as Mr.Fallinwoman.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris 0 #10 October 5, 2004 Quoteand at Kris's sit fly speeds...OUCH...but much better than a nasty horsey playing around back there. Ahem! Who had to go into a stand to catch you the last time we jumped together?Sky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 37 #11 October 5, 2004 Nomal sheet metal washers are ok. But I've found that POP rivet backer "washers" are a better choice. They are thicker than a normal washer and don't bend. The hold is also somewhat smaller. But they can be sharp so the edges need to be deburred.I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #12 October 5, 2004 Just a reminder to replace closing loops when they START to fray. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
