What line can I use to attach my bolt snap?

[scubadiver888]

I use 200lb test braided downrigger line. 300ft costs about $30 and will last you forever.

How thick is this type of line? I find fishing line to be a lot thinner than something like #18 cave line. It will definitely be strong and less likely to snap but being so thin it wouldn't be good to attach to things like rubber hoses. I feel it would cut into the rubber.

Additionally, the way I attach boltsnaps, when the cave line frays I can see it starting to fail before it completely snaps. I inspect my attachment after every dive. If I see any fraying, I cut it off and reattach the bolt snap with new line. With downrigger line, don't you risk the chance it will snap suddenly and you could potentially lose your equipment?

What is it made out of? The nylon of cave line responds well to melting with a lighter. So I can ensure heating the ends and the knot then pressing them together will fuse everything and prevent it from undoing.

Bottom line, cave line will need to be replaced more often but it degrades much slower. So I can see when it is starting to fail and replace it.

I will admit, downrigger line probably handles salt water better but I dive mostly fresh water.

 

[Nemrod]

ScubaBoard is losing its form.

Normally the above would’ve ignited a 36 page civil war with a few cases of moral injury along the way resulting in a half dozen GI3 grenades lobbed into the DIR trenches and at least one 70-something year old diver spontaneously bursting into flames at his keyboard.

If I burst into flames you know who to blame . SHC is a long concern of mine, now you have me worried. Split rings, good grief, what is the world coming to!

Several of my diver friends have gone and bought those XS Scuba integrated DSMBs with the plastic suicide clips. I nearly went into SHC at the sight of the things. Plastic! Suicide clips! No proper bolt snap or knots to be seen !