[Talaman]

Morning all!

I recently changed to using a constrictor knot when tying bands for my small pouches when I use 8mm (5/16).

I am tying the knots as tight as I possibly can but now after a lot of use I note that they are allowing the band to slip through slightly which results in miss aligned bands on the pouch.

Has anyone out there experienced this and are their any known remedies please?

This is my first post with pics, so hope it works!

 

[Sean Khan]

Constrictor knots are overrated. I don't use them any more for this reason.

The solution is to tie with elastic sting or something else thin and stretchy. And then tie cotton string over that with a surgeon's knot. You will not have any problems whatsoever after that.

Or... if you still want to use a constrictor knot, tie a square knot over that. It won't come loose then.

In my opinion however, without using stretchy string, you are just going up the creek without a paddle.

https://www.daraz.pk/products/elastic-thread-elastic-string-for-making-elastic-bracelets-i114224170-s1265960105.html?spm=a2a0e.searchlist.list.1.6cc64223oFH3Xx&search=1

Rubber bands will also work but those are kinda lousy and they would eventually turn into a gummy mess in my climate.

 

[AUSSIE4]

I use cotton twine. Cut the excess band off right next to the knot. Never had any slips in my life ever. Constrictor knots are quick and efficient. For this reason I have never switched to anything else.

 

[Cjw]

All I've ever used is constrictor knots. Never had any problems.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[AUSSIE4]

All I've ever used is constrictor knots. Never had any problems.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Same they're a great knot. Never had and probably never will have any problems with them. Beats tying ribbon any day in my opinion.

 

[Pebble Shooter]

I have never used string and constrictor knots to connect flat band ends to pouches, as I found that the old and proven method of wrapping and tucking thin rubber strips (usually band remnants) works extremely well since returning to homemade slingshots in 2012 - providing that the strips are held under constant tension while being wrapped around the folded band ends on the pouch prior to "tucking in" the ends.

Regular string does indeed work for many slingshot shooters, but I would assume that even a constrictor knot can loosen after a certain number of shots because of the relatively low friction surface of regular string, regardless of how tight the knot was tied. This is a problem generally not encountered with rubber strips.

In the last two years or so, I've been using Chinese rubber band tie string, and have had absolutely no issues with pouch ties loosening in any way. I should add that I use a homemade band mounting jig, which makes it easier to wrap the string and to tie a knot as opposed to tucking the string ends.

See here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32980082759.html?spm=2114.12010612.8148356.3.207439d3fANvMe

 

[AUSSIE4]

I have never used string and constrictor knots to connect flat band ends to pouches, as I found that the old and proven method of wrapping and tucking thin rubber strips (usually band remnants) works extremely well since returning to homemade slingshots in 2012 - providing that the strips are held under constant tension while being wrapped around the folded band ends on the pouch prior to "tucking in" the ends.

Regular string does indeed work for many slingshot shooters, but I would assume that even a constrictor knot can loosen after a certain number of shots because of the relatively low friction surface of regular string, regardless of how tight the knot was tied. This is a problem generally not encountered with rubber strips.

In the last two years or so, I've been using Chinese rubber band tie string, and have had absolutely no issues with pouch ties loosening in any way. I should add that I use a homemade band mounting jig, which makes it easier to wrap the string and to tie a knot as opposed to tucking the string ends.

See here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32980082759.html?spm=2114.12010612.8148356.3.207439d3fANvMe

If you tie under tension the knot should never loosen. Some bands I cut a little longer for targets provided me with 1000+ shots and never had the knot slip. Maybe if you used something like waxed thread or something similar, then it would slip due to the material being too 'slippery.' Cotton twine holds a grip really well never had any problems with it. I used to use the little elastic strips however band life was horrible as there is too much friction on the bands which would wear them very quick. Some sets lucky to get 50 shots. Max I would get would be around 130-150 shots on a 'good' set. I always tie under tension and tie the knot directly next to the pouch.

 

[Catapults and Carving]

I had a problem with this at first and I realised I needed to stretch the band more before tying the knot, it allowed me to get a tighter knot and stop any slip.
Hope it helps mate ????????

 

[cpu_melt_down]

I use waxed, cotton thread and I've only had this problem when I did not tighten the constrictor knot enough.

It looks like you are using some sort of synthetic string material.

Perhaps the "slickness" of this type material is allowing the slippage.

Also, when I first started using the constrictor knot, I tied it wrong sometimes and it came loose over time.

 

[Island made]

Make sure your stretching the elastic before you tie the knot. I’ve done it this way for many years and have never had one slip or untie.

 

[Sean Khan]

I use a homemade band mounting jig

This is the only tool I ever use... a surgical clamp. I can do everything with this darn thing. :rofl:

And yes, use some kind of elastic string or rubber. Wrap and tuck or use a surgeon's knot and another square knot over that. Because my threads are very thin, I use many many wraps. And then cover it up with cotton string... also many many warps. Again, use a surgeon's knot and another square knot over that.

See here:

As you can see the cotton string is fraying. That's from the shock of shooting. If your ribbon/thread is smooth-slippy, your knot will be effected, no doubts there.

I use many turns of the thread because I'm afraid my strings will cut through the rubber.

If you want to use a constrictor knot, use a "double constrictor" knot (see google). Or finish it off with a square knot.

I never said it's a dreadful knot. I just said it's "meh" and unnecessary and awkward to tie. And it certainly does not work on polypropylene string (which I.. and many others... often use). Not on it's own. It will come loose, guaranteed. You need to finish it off with another knot.

I would assume that even a constrictor knot can loosen after a certain number of shots because of the relatively low friction surface of regular string, regardless of how tight the knot was tied. This is a problem generally not encountered with rubber strips.

:yeahthat: What he said.

I've been using Chinese rubber band tie string, and have had absolutely no issues with pouch ties loosening in any way.

Yep. Looks similar to my elastic string. More of a ribbon though.

Nice.

 

[Talaman]

WOW! What a great forum!

Thank you all for your prompt and useful replies. And thanks S.K for the video etc.

The material used for the knot may be the problem. I am using the "strings" that make up the inside of para chord as I saw that method recommended on a YouTube site. I agree, they may be slipping slightly.

I did use the Chinese "CRYSTAL" elastic thread/string and it did OK but the black dye seemed to come off the thread and impregnate the band. And once the band tore at that stained area and IIRC that is why I looked for an alternative method of attaching the bands. Furthermore, I agree I could/should perhaps stretch the elastic a bit more than I did.

Going to have a rethink, I will come back and add to the thread by letting you know how I progress.

Thank you all again for your input.

 

[Quercusuber]

I use cotton twine. Cut the excess band off right next to the knot. Never had any slips in my life ever. Constrictor knots are quick and efficient. For this reason I have never switched to anything else.

All of the above :yeahthat:

Plus, I've found that cotton twine, opposed to rubbers strips (or other tying medium made out of rubber) makes bands last 3 times more.

From what I've seen in the pictures, your folding technique seems to be the problem. Perhaps you're not folding the bands properly when tying.

Best regards ...Q

 

[Talaman]

Hi Quercusuber,

The pictures show how the bands have moved/slipped after or during the process of firing approx 300 shots. They were not like that at after my tying them - in the images, the knot has moved back on to the pouch and the shorter part of the band has slipped in to the position you now see.

 

[AUSSIE4]

WOW! What a great forum!

Thank you all for your prompt and useful replies. And thanks S.K for the video etc.

The material used for the knot may be the problem. I am using the "strings" that make up the inside of para chord as I saw that method recommended on a YouTube site. I agree, they may be slipping slightly.

I did use the Chinese "CRYSTAL" elastic thread/string and it did OK but the black dye seemed to come off the thread and impregnate the band. And once the band tore at that stained area and IIRC that is why I looked for an alternative method of attaching the bands. Furthermore, I agree I could/should perhaps stretch the elastic a bit more than I did.

Going to have a rethink, I will come back and add to the thread by letting you know how I progress.

Thank you all again for your input.

No worries mate. I saw a similar video with paracord inner strands from Chris Graffin better known as 'Catapult Carnage'. I'd try cotton twine before you order anything else. Most general grocery stores sell them very cheap. I get an 100m one for something like $3.79 Aud. Lasts a very long time. Personally I don't like the Chinese crystal thread or ribbon. I can tie up a bandset with constrictor knots about 10x quicker and you get around the same band life.

 

[Sean Khan]

Last time I use constrictor knots, was on this guy.

I used it to both attach the pouch and the bands to the frame. This slingshot is very powerful and the knots have not slipped one bit.

The string is polypropylene... or is it polyethylene?.... some bloody-poly string. Quite slippy.

As you can see, there is another knot on top of the constrictor knot. AND there is a wrap of elastic string under that... which you can't see. That is why it's still secure.

Why use poly string/ribbon? Because of long tube/band life. It's doesn't saw or cut into the bands under shock or tightening. Problem is, you have to be good with your knots or it will work itself loose.

Oh and a tip... don't tell anyone! Use a drop of super-glue on the knot (DO NOT drip on the rubber) if you think it's going to get undone. Even the stupidest knot will turn into super-knot. Unfortunately for me, super-glue doesn't work on poly-string. :rolling:

 

[AUSSIE4]

Last time I use constrictor knots, was on this guy.

I used it to both attach the pouch and the bands to the frame. This slingshot is very powerful and the knots have not slipped one bit.

The string is polypropylene... or is it polyethylene?.... some bloody-poly string. Quite slippy.

15987881019230.jpg

As you can see, there is another knot on top of the constrictor knot. AND there is a wrap of elastic string under that... which you can't see. That is why it's still secure.

15987881019721 1.jpg

Why use poly string/ribbon? Because of long tube/band life. It's doesn't saw or cut into the bands under shock or tightening. Problem is, you have to be good with your knots or it will work itself loose.

Oh and a tip... don't tell anyone! Use a drop of super-glue on the knot (DO NOT drip on the rubber) if you think it's going to get undone. Even the stupidest knot will turn into super-knot. :rolling:

I used to shoot looped tubes. Using cotton constrictor knots on looped 1745. I would get around 700 shots before a small tear. Could expect 100 more till a breakage but I change everything when it gets a tear. I don't let anything get to breaking point. No need for all those knots and elastic on the tubes that would just make them slower than what they already are. Could be good as a bait chucker fishing.

 

[Sean Khan]

that would just make them slower

Why would an extra knot or two make it slower? Air resistance???

It's a slingshot mate. Not a Ferrari. :rofl:

All this talk of air resistance... I think it's negligible if you are shooting large hex-nuts. Only power matters then. And to deliver that power I would like to be a bit extra secure. I can do without the 2, 3, feet per second I would have saved if I cared about air-resistance or small pouches.

Could be good as a bait chucker fishing.

I have no idea what that means. I don't hunt or fish.

I would get around 700 shots before a small tear.

This is an old slingshot.... well over a 1000 shots with this one. Still going strong.

Maybe because I store my rubber in a spare fridge....

 

[Ibojoe]

I’ve used them all the way without incident. Never had one slip stretching the elastic and using butchers twine. Maybe your jig isn’t stretching it enough. But there was a thread like this years ago. Double check everything these guys suggested and you’ll be fine.

 

[StringSlap]

I use amber tape now, but when I was using a constrictor, cotton butcher twine seemed to be best. Stretching the bands more before tying should stop the slipping.