I'm looking to replace several thicker nylon straps that use 'quick release' connectors e.g., top loader closure system, sternum strap. Basically, non-load bearing straps that could stand be a lot lighter. 1/2" are available at REI, but can anyone help source 1/4". Or am I mistaken and they don't exist? Suggestions for alternatives to a quick release would be entertained. Adjustable strap length required.

cheers,
-Michael

Edited by uberkatzen on 06/09/2008 17:19:50 MDT.

Thru-hiker sells 1/4" flat cord for $0.49/yd but I haven't seen sturdy buckles for it. The smallest side release buckles i've seen are a little over 1/2" wide and made for 3/8" webbing. Take a look at lanyard buckles you might find smaller. I even saw a quick release cylindrical buckle that was shaped/sized like a small bullet for 1/8"-ish cord.

You could make a loop of 1/4" webbing on one side and a snap hook with ladderloc thingie to adjust length on other side. Pretty lame though.

I am not aware of anything in the 1/4" size. 1/2" is available to a limited extent, often for pet collars.

You could try mitten hooks, bungee cord, mini-cord locks, ...

For a quick release connector, you can try this. Make a short loop of string for the buckle. Tie a figure of eight knot in the bungee cord. Slip the bungee through the loop and let the loop catch the knot. It works, but is not really adjustable. I have used this to hold an ice axe on my pack instead of the cumbersome buckles.

Cheers

Last I checked 3/5" was the smallest. Check owfinc.com and
http://www.itwnexus.com/catalog/index.php/dw/oc/a/1/c/116?PHPSESSID=88dd6a60ff66e0834031e61e0bfeecab

edit - sorry, I missed the requirement for it being adjustable.

I recommend trying to find a barrel cord lock depending on your needs.

Edited by slacklinejoe on 06/09/2008 22:36:28 MDT.

Have you looked at using 1/2" grosgrain ribbon? I'm thinking about doing the same thing on some of my gear, it seems like the ladderlocks grip the grosgrain as well as the much thicker standard nylon webbing. You could also use those watchband style quick releases, though they don't appear too strong.

Edited by erdferkel on 06/11/2008 03:23:55 MDT.

gross grain does not grip as well. I used it in an over strap, no good

what i am considering now is 2 gross grains into one buckle for compression and y overstraps

I'm with Tim. Grosgrain generally doesn't grip well in tension lock buckles. There just isn't enough surface variation for the buckle to bite into. Even if you do get it to bite, the release angle is so low as to still render it ineffective.

1/2" is about as small as I've seen for buckles as well.

I wonder then if you added a loop of regular nylon strap to a ladderlock it would help the grosgrain grip better? Or someone should start making hardware for it, it seems ideal for compression straps etc.

in a new pack i am making i am having to lengths of grosgrain meet at one buckle. the double layer gives plenty of friction for it to work perfect, and you can still adjust each length of webbing without it changing the adjustment of the other.

By the time you get down to 1/4" you could almost go to cord. Could you then use a line lock tensioner? (Note I've never seen one of these in the flesh, so it may not be an option)

still not in the flesh, but let me know if you need closeup photos of a lineloc tensioner. i've got them for tarp tiedowns.
-chris

Edited by back2basics on 06/14/2008 21:57:11 MDT.

Roger,

Thanks for this post about a simple quick release connection. I stumbled upon it today and found it useful for situations where I can count on the line maintaining tension and where an accidental disconnect is not a big deal. Here are two photos showing my implementation of your suggeestion:




Here's another photo with a bead added to the string. The bead makes the connection a bit more secure than with a knot alone. Of course one could make a bigger knot also but the bead is pretty easy and very light.


Here's a photo of multiple beads added to the string. This adds some adjustability to the quick realease set-up. The cord in the photo allows 3 adjustments, 2" apart from each other.


In the final photo I've combined your idea with a lineloc for quick release plus adjustability.


These ideas may have already been posted because your post is from 2008. If so I apologize for not giving the poster appropriate credit.

Daryl

Here's a more secure variation using a wafer thin .3 gram plastic washer.





This device can be made so it won't accidentally unhook by making the cord loop smaller than the washer diameter. Bending the washer allows it to go through the loop. After insertion the washer springs back to shape and won't come out of the loop unless it is bent again.

Edited by lyrad1 on 03/12/2012 11:35:14 MDT.

Michael,
Linelocs will work fine with both 1.4" grosgrain, or 1/4" webbing of the type often used for tieouts. Just tried - they both worked fine with a lineloc.

A recent thread on this forum provided the link to the GG page offering quick release linelocs.

http://gossamergear.com/wsr-lineloc-buckle.html

There was also another thread discussing the merits of cord vs. tape/webbing for the applications you outlined. Sorry I don't have the link. MO was for webbing, having come to the conclusion that packs, which take more abuse than anything except footwear, should be on the sturdy side. Just my 2 cents.

Edited by scfhome on 03/12/2012 21:16:03 MDT.

I do not have a source, but 1/4 side relase buckles do exist. My pedometer came with one. Well the pedometer side of the buckle is attached a light string, and the other side has 1/4 webbing.

Well, I suppose you could buy the pedometer for the hardware, it's an Ozeri. (I don't remember the model, but I've had two different ones, and they both have had the same lanyard buckle.)

You can get 1/4" or 3/8" buckles from YKK that they use on some ultralite pack lines, But it not worth it.
Why not purchase 3/8 webbing from rockywoods. Gossamer gear has the ITW /Nexus World line lock Buckles for sale for using a 2.75mm cord for the downs. You need the 3/8" webbing to sew the buckle on.
Terry