Carabiner?

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[WinterDaze]

The carabiner was not used to anchor the kite. It was used to hang line laundry on the line.

And you're right, it doesn't sound like a lot of laundry to be hanging off a bit of metal...

But, in your example of how it was attached to the line, you inadvertently set it up in possibly it's weakest orientation, you've allowed lateral twist forces to be induced through your load weighting, not alot, but enough for a gate form like this to fail. Prussic loops will help a lot here, and when used properly will help the gate to load up properly, you might even get away with using your existing gates.But TBH do look at upgrading them, they are, in their base form, pretty poorly designed for any work much beyond convenient key carrying.

I'm no expert mind you, but I've done a bit of traditional rock climbing in the past and their sort of 'safety meeting' pack drill stays with you 

[Lee S]

The carabiner was not used to anchor the kite. It was used to hang line laundry on the line.

Wouldn't have used it for that either. A 6 ft dog is a pretty big piece of laundry. I'd imagine it exerts quite a bit of drag in a good breeze.  Actually, I've had pretty good luck with no hardware at all, just using a running larkshead and pigtail on the laundry in question through that. Works pretty well, but don't try to move/remove the item while the lifter is up if you value your fingers.   Remember, it is our responsibility not only to protect our kites and ourselves, but those who would watch and perhaps venture too close to our stuff. Safety Safety Safety

[tcope]

I can't loop the kite line on any way. I've tried connecting pig tails and prussic knots into the line but they don't seem to hold as well on the Spectron line. It's _really_ slick. I'll probably switch back to them and try winding them 5 or 6 times rather then the 3 I've tried.

[thief]

i know a couple of people that use the Alpine Butterfly knot instead of accessory krabs....
work quite well..
http://www.animatedknots.com/alpinebutterfly/index.php?

[mikenchico]

Yeah that's the knot, I couldn't think of the name to find the animation. Note the straight pull on the line which reduces weakening of the main line, the 90 degree angle of the loop, and it's even pretty easy to untie when not needed.

That was an easier way to tie it then I learned, wish I had a piece of line to practice with right now before I forget. Probably around two fingers for us? Here's an alternative method but I think I'll like Thief's way better now, Thanks

[DGomberg]

Sorry I missed this earlier discussion. I've been on the road.

We use the smaller biners as shown for lots of different laundry sizes. Haven't had one bend open like that. But we certainly realize they have their limits. Never use them for anchoring.

The problem with using larger biners is you then get a solid piece of metal swinging around in the air. I definitely don't like heavier pieces when used to hold lifters on larger kites. Seem to me that when they start swinging round, they are tailor made for taking out your front teeth...

David

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