I am trying to create some custom pigtails for the front lines on my Peak 2. I would like it to look like the pigtail shown in the first picture.



I have some Samson Amsteel line (rated at 1600lbs) that I'm attempting to use. So the knot I tied was done by simply using three stopper knots. The method I used is shown with the example below, and the final pigtail in the last picture is of the one I tied.






However, the loop above the first knot can grow/shorten by pulling on the longest tail of the line below the last knot. So now I'm wondering if I should make the first knot a double figure 8 knot as shown in the illustration here:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Climb-Safe-With-A-Figure-8-K...

Thoughts?

Good idea. A single figure 8 will lock in both directions though.

Can you illustrate how to do that? I've tried and it doesn't lock anymore than the single stopper knot that I currently have. So I can only assume I am doing something wrong.

Edit: I can tie a simple figure 8 knot, but the problem is that both lines ends don't end up on the same side.

I think you need to make a loop in the end of the line, and tie your fig.8 knot using the loop as you would the free end of the line, so when you finish the knot the loop is pulled through the knot, leaving both ends of the line opposite the loop. Tying the figure 8 on a bight, so to speak. Then, on your pigtail side of the line, you can just use overhand knots, or figure 8's for your adjustment knots. Maybe this link will help. https://www.google.com/search?q=double+figure+8+knot&es_...

This previous post (and youtube video) link may help: <Eye splice Amsteel>

@bobalooie57

This is what I did initially but I thought the knot closest to the loop looked a bit too large. I'll try it again.

@PistolPete

The Eye splice looks super nice, but with the tail running through the center of the line, how could I make the knots? I guess I could just tie them off using the main tail.

Eye splice

I just made 5 meter extensions using popeye the welder's youtube video. It's satisfying making the eye splices.

I don't know how to upload pictures anymore since my Iphoto updated and doesn't allow me to change the size of the picture when I export.

Eye splice... knot the tail around the line, then bury it again for the distance you want, knot the tail again. Looks like the last knot is tied around itself again.

The knot to look for to make a single loop to do your larks head is a bowline it's a climbing knot and locks in-place, then you can do your stopper knots behind it.
http://www.animatedknots.com/bowline/

I ended up using a combination of the two. I also made 5 knots closer to each other so I would have shorter increments to adjust with.

Is the Amsteel like braided hollow core Dacron?

Jadog I also wanted to make one of these for my Peak. What are each of the knots you used? And is it double line all the way to the end? (ie: where is each end of the line...both ends at the far rightmost knot, or one end at the far rightmost and one at the leftmost?

Thanks!

Quote: Originally posted by 1oldkid

Is the Amsteel like braided hollow core Dacron?

These are the instructions I use...
http://www.samsonrope.com/Documents/Splice%20Instructions/12...

I made a 3 1/2" tubular fid with a scrap of 1/4" (thereabouts) aluminum tubing and a scrap if dowel to form a bullet-nose shape that lets it move down the inside of the braid with the tail buried in the tube.

Yup, just use a fid to make a knotless loop in the line (splicing) and once made, just tie overhand knots onto it for your adjustments.

Here is how to do it with a fid.
http://www.awindofchange.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&am...

The fid pictured is for line from about 50lb to 200 lb. Larger line would need a larger fid.

Would Brummell splice work for lines and pig tails?

Brummel is just the clever bit that locks the eye splice. Use it to secure the loop, wherever you need a loop