Spring straps revisited

[Tiny Bubbles]

I just made some spring straps for my jet fins, and I'm working on some hockey-puck blocks now. I used a drill press vise to hold the puck under the power miter saw so I didn't lose any digits. When I got a block cut out, I chucked it in the lathe to drill the 1/2" hole as close to center as can be. They're not done yet but what do you guys think so far? I've still got to cut out 2 more blocks, drill some holes, cut some slots, get some stainless screws, & shape the outsides... But I've got the rest of winter so I'm in no hurry.

-tiny

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I could not find suitable SS anchor shackles anywhere including Mcmaster Carr, but I did manage to find a way to use the existing buckles instead.

I carefully pried the retaining pin out of the buckle and then inserted the spring with a spacer on each end (made from 7/32" automotive vaccuum tubing) onto the pin and pressed it back into place in the buckle assmbly.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

A few of us got together last weekend and put together some finstraps for our jet fins.

The choices for the blocks were brass, aluminum or nylatron and I chose the latter. Lightweight like alumiunum but with no potential for disimilar metals corrosion. It was also very easy to mill. Stainless steel TIG wire was used to hold the assembly together and the holes in the fins were lined with brass tube to distribute the load better.

 

[rjchandler]

to those of you who are assuming that your springs won't stretch permanently and are removing the cave line. I don't have the link, but the guy who posted instructions on how to make these suckers several years ago emphasized that "you will" stretch the springs if you don't use the line. I think it has to do with "memory" rather than the strength of the spring?

Screen door replacement springs from the hardware store WILL rust and WILL stretch after a week in say Bonaire. :54:

 

[wetman]

to those of you who are assuming that your springs won't stretch permanently and are removing the cave line. I don't have the link, but the guy who posted instructions on how to make these suckers several years ago emphasized that "you will" stretch the springs if you don't use the line. I think it has to do with "memory" rather than the strength of the spring?

Screen door replacement springs from the hardware store WILL rust and WILL stretch after a week in say Bonaire. :54:

Me and my main dive buddy have had them off for the whole season now and no stretch. Just as good as the day they went on. And even in the event that there was a stretch, its really not a problem to snip a half inch or so to tighten them up again. The inconvenience of the string made it well worth snipping it out. Lets not forget we're also only talking about a chunk of metal worth not even 10 bux. If their lives were shortened for any reason to 5 years instead of 10 for example, its still not going to break the bank.

steve

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I used cave line in mine but I can also see where stretch may not be a real pressing issue if you left it out. The currently available springs from McMaster Carr have about twice the stretch as the old ones. I can see where the old ones would be very stretch prone, but you woud really have to overdo it to stretch the current ones.

 

[critterc]

I have been fishing and diving saltwater for about 25 years. Every anchor I have used had a galvanized shackle. Soooo to save money I am trying some 3/16 in. galvanized shackles I picked up at Ture Value. 4 was about $3.25 with tax.

 

[el-ninio]

try will rust, and big time (at least in salt water).

I could not get the SS ones here, and I have the rusty ones to prove it.

buy the again, you may be able to squeeze severl months use of them - or maybe even a full year. just make sure they are still in good condition when you go diving, and have a couple ready for replacment in your dry "save-a-dive" kit.

and I would oil them as well.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I am looking into producing a small batch of the end fittings needed to add spring straps to your jet fins, turtle fins etc.

They will be milled from 3/4 inch black nylon and will look similar to the ones posted above. I don't know the production cost yet but I am wondering if there any interest out there?

 

[UWSojourner]

I ordered anchor shackles and springs for AA split fins and Mares Volo fins.

The anchor shackles don't work for the split fins because the post is too thin. So, I went with a SS S-hook (.141" x 1.5") from Home Depot. Worked great AND was easier to deal with than the anchor shackles. Cheaper too.

FWIW