I'm looking for a second opinion on the electrical tape method of static line exits. What is the 'correct'/most common method of attachment? does the tape damage the pilot chute as the bridle is pulled through, or can the pilot-chute be kept well clear.
The method I've heard is to wrap a strongpoint (rail etc) a number of times with the tape, then s-fold the bridle and wrap the s-fold a number of times with the tape to the rail.
Good question...
Unfortunately, the electrical tape method has become one of the more common substitutes for break cord. Electrical tape is fundamentally problematic for many reasons. First, it is plastic. Anything plastic is extremelely vulnerable to variations in temperature. What might work when it is 80deg might not when it is 30.
I am getting real confused as I keep hearing all these questionable ways to tie-off static lines. I've heard everything from electrical tape, grocery bags, shoe laces, even condoms. I know sometimes we get into a situation where we have to improvise, but give me a break, no pun intended. Is it that difficult to buy some REAL break-cord? And furthermore, if you are one of these people who like to experiment with latex-condom static lines, I wouldn't mention it here. A lot of jumpers, including novices, use this board as a source of reliable information.
Speaking of reliable information...The "correct" static line method you referred to typically involves using cotton break-cord of some kind. The most widely used is 80lb. It is available from Basic Research or Para-Gear, etc. I suggest you contact Basic Research or visit their website for more info. www.basicresearch.com. There you will also find a link that shows the correct way to tie a static-line knot.
The method I learned for the electrical tape static line was:
1) Locate a suitable anchor point. Consider strength of anchor, routing of bridle, etc.
2) Wrap the anchor at least twice with the tape. Do not break the tape.
3) With the tape unbroken from the anchor, pass it through the eye of the bridle (i.e. the place the PC attaches). Make four more wraps in this manner (through the eye and around the full anchor, on top of the original two wraps).
I have used this method on numerous occasions without negative consequences. A few warnings:
a) Leave the PC on the bridle. This way, a premature breaking of the tape may only result in a hospital stay, rather than a more permanent interrment.
b) Do not use this method at low temperatures (below 40F or so) as the tape becomes brittle.
c) Vinyl electrical tape is quality controlled for electrical resistance, not breaking strength. By using it, you take your life into your own hands with a non-rated material.
With that said, I'd strongly recommend just using 80 lb. break cord, and leaving the tape for wiring.
For more info on using break cord, or to order the cord, see: http://www.basicresearch.com/static.htm
--Tom Aiello
tbaiello@ucdavis.edu
I guess be creative. That's the aussie method, isn't it? Just improvise? Exactly, and have fun with it. It is your life you are throwing off of something. Do what you like with it. There are many examples of what not to do, so don't follow examples. Do your own thing. If you trust electrical tape, why not? Duct tape would be good i bet, as it has cloth reinforcement and it designed more for shear forces than vinyl tape. And duct tape would be good in all temps, and it sticks to objects real well.
"Looks dangerous, I'll go first."
heard that at a bridge somewhere.
Thomas
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Mar-06-01 AT 07:29 PM (PST)[/font][p]I have to disagree with Merlin.
Negative points with electrical tape:
- if you leave it in the sun the plastic will decompose and become unreliable (hence the reason for having a large p/c attached as a backup). But break cord will also degrade in the sun!!! The tape will however break down sooner.
- Regarding cold temperatures, yes, the tape does become brittle, but, we don't have that problem in Australia.. "I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains, of rugged mountain ranges . . ." etc. You get my drift.
The whole idea of any method of s/l is having a minimum breaking strain to ensure you get to line stretch prior to the static line breaking, and maximum breaking strain so you don't get left hanging (or you don't create a negative impact on your deployment such as centre cell stripping, etc). Believe it ir not, some of us have actually done scientific tests (using proper testing equipment) on the breaking strain of various products. Electrical tape was better than most other tapes (including duct tape).
As long as your electrical tape is in good condition (i.e gear check and maintenance), and you use it properly, you wont have a problem.
Positive points about electrical tape:
- IT HAS BEEN TESTED AND THOUSANDS OF JUMPS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS.
- it is always available at any 24 hour gas station (unlike break cord - "##### I don't have any break cord left, that means I can't jump, D'Oh".)
Having said all of that, the safety of electrical tape relies on the individual that is using it. Hence, perhaps break cord should be your first option.
p.s In the tests I have done, I would recommend 5 to 7 wraps instead of the 4 mentioned by Tom Aiello. This uncertainty (how many wraps) is the major reason for me suggesting that people who don't know, should use break cord.
p.s.s. Have you tried the rubber band method???
;)
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