Terminator rigging tool -- opinions?

[javajunkie 0]

I saw a bit in a Skydiving article earlier this year about the new rigging tool "The Terminator." It's a tool for closing reserves that uses a pump-clamp to apply tension as opposed to a to the positive-leverage rod most people use. Does anyone have any any experience with the Terminator, is it worth the cost, and if so, how do I get one?

[councilman24 37]

Various things like this have been around for years. Allen Silver sells one to the military that is an axel on a bracket with a wrench for leverage. (I have one) I've seen home made versions. I've seen one based on clamps for several years. In 2003 at the symposium the Thai government was showing a very large and complicated closing tool. All of the military riggers are very small women and they needed the help. Once I should them mine (one of Allen's) they kind of got quite. They thought they had something new and unique.

You have to be very careful with any of these devices. It's easy to tear a rig apart with them. (Figuratively and literally) I suggest newer riggers not use one for several hundred rigs to get the necessary feel for what's going on. But this is like telling a teenager they should drive the 5 liter mustang.

For tired old folks like me I use it all the time.

Don't know how to get this one. Allen's is several hundred dollars.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[Samurai136 0]

Check your PM for contact information.

I bought one a few years ago. They are a little pricey but I think it's worth it.

Most tools make it easier to close a rig but they sit occupy both hands while the pin is pulled and re-inserted, flap by flap. The terminator allows you to maintain tension on the loop and have both hands free to dress the container with the temp pin removed. In addition, its great for pre-stretching AAD loops to a specific length.

Ken

"Buttons aren't toys." - Trillian
Ken