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prepheckt

Closing Loop

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Mine seem to wear out quickly, I'm not sure why. I try and make sure the pull up cord is under the closing pin before I pull it out. I don't mind replacing them, they're cheap, but does anyone else have this problem too?
"Dancing Argentine Tango is like doing calculus with your feet."
-9 toes

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There are really only a few sources of wear I can think of - the pull up cord, the pin itself, and the grommets. If your pull up cords are wearing outside the loop, then have a rigger look at your grommets to make sure they are not nicked. If it is wearing inside the loop, then it pretty much has to be either the pin or the pull up cord, as those are the only things that pass through the loop. Check your pin for nicks (or just replace it anyway), and be careful with your pull up cord. Pull the cord out slowly rather than using the cool high-speed packer flourish.

BMcD...

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www.jumpelvis.com

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Depends what you use for a pull up cord. If you use the same material for a pull up cord that you use for a closing loop, it will last much longer.

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meow

I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug!

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Are you using Type-III tape as a pull-up cord? I've found that stuff to cut loops up. It acts almost as a saw. If so, try using gutted Type-IIA line. You'll find it slides out under the pin considerably easier meaning there is less friction with the loop and less possible damage. Be sure you're not extracting the pull up cord too fast.

Let us know if you find any rough edges or burrs on the grommets or pin.

Mark

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If your still at the Air Force Academy go ask Susie at the rigging loft. There have been many designs of pins over the years. For about the last 10 years or so stainless pins have been standard. But there were plated pins and wire pins of various types that caused significantly more wear. As stated, the gromments may be the source of the problem. I routinely have to reseat reserve grommets to decrease wear on a the reserve loop from just one packing. (Yes I change it with every repack, sometimes 2 and 3 times.) Closing loops used to wear out in a 100 jumps or so. With the smoother stainless pins and stainless grommets they often last many times that now. You should find the source of the problem and have it fixed.

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

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Are you using Type-III tape as a pull-up cord? I've found that stuff to cut loops up. It acts almost as a saw. If so, try using gutted Type-IIA line. You'll find it slides out under the pin considerably easier meaning there is less friction with the loop and less possible damage. Be sure you're not extracting the pull up cord too fast.



I'm not sure what the differences are. I use a "standard" pull up cord, like the ones they give out at Eloy.
"Dancing Argentine Tango is like doing calculus with your feet."
-9 toes

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What material are you using for your closing loops?



I'm not sure, I bought some at the Eloy rigging loft.

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The last two I had to change out wore out in about 35-40 jumps. I had my rigger change it out 2 months ago, and it's already starting to show signs of wear, on the outside edge of the loop.

"Dancing Argentine Tango is like doing calculus with your feet."
-9 toes

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Type-III tape comes in different widths, but the only size I've seen people use for pull-up cords is the 3/4" width. It's the same stuff that is folded in half lengthwise and double stitched to bind the edges of container flaps. Manufacturers and dropzones often have these printed up with their logos on them for advertising. That's why they're free and abundant.

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I would venture a guess that they are using type IIA cord, or something very similar. Expect it to only last for a max of 50 jumps or so. You may get more out of them, or you might change them out when they *start* to show wear(IMO a good idea). I like to make my own closing loops out of scrap spectra from old linesets. They last a long time, and are cheap (free).
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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

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Nope. Susie and I are friends and are both active rigger members of the Parachute Industry Association. PIA will be having their Sept. meeting in Colo. Spgs. and I'll probably be out there. Visitors are welcome.

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

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If your still at the Air Force Academy go ask Susie at the rigging loft.



Thanks will do. Were you a former cadidiot too?



Hey tell Marty Jones, Major Defendorf (Spelled wrong Im sure) and all the rest, Ray says hello. Oh yeah about the Closing loop thing, I use a Tandem closing loop, it lasts a lot longer.


Ray
Small and fast what every girl dreams of!

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Oh yeah about the Closing loop thing, I use a Tandem closing loop, it lasts a lot longer.



Just a note on this: Be careful how thick a loop you use, don't just go trying random materials. We had a guy a couple years ago using a long Tandem loop and there was enough friction between the flaps to total the rig, even with the pin already pulled. We could reproduce it on the ground and it seems the thickness of the loop (along with the length) helped bind the flaps in place. Just be careful!


"...and once you had tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward.
For there you have been, and there you long to return..."

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