New idea for flashlight lanyard

[MY]

In reading some of the posts for a suitable flashlight lanyard, I remembered that I have some golden colored cord made of kevlar that has highly reflective strands cross-woven in the cord's outer sheath. I cut some to length, fused the ends (they don't really melt) and am now using it on a number of my flashlights. When light hits the reflective cord, it really shines back which makes it easier to find the small lights.

The cord being kevlar is obviously very strong (250 pound test) - I use it for hanging up my food bag in bear country. Often I am up in the morning when it is still dark trying to retrive the bag. I just shine the light in the general direction and the cord reflects back indicating exactly which tree I used.

The cord is made by Kelty (an outdoor equipment manufacturer) and is called "Triptease." I think that a 50' length 1/8" diameter piece cost me about $15. Expensive but well worth it.

 

[MrAl]

Hi there,

Sounds pretty cool.
If your looking for a cheaper solution
but still very strong, try out the
braided poly line Walmart carries.
They carry two different kinds, and it's
usually found in the camping section.
One type is made by "Wellington" and
on the package it's marked
"1/8 inch x 50 ft.", although it's really
1/4 inch wide. It's also marked
"light duty" but it's actually very strong.
The colors vary.
To make a lanyard, just slip it through one
of those tiny rings used to attach fish hooks
and (other stuff for fishing) and tie a knot
to make a loop. Then, slip the small ring
though the hole in your flashlight.

Beware: using the tiny hole in the
MagLite Minimag flashlights may cause problems
if the end cap isnt tightened very very tight.
I've had two lights unscrew already and
almost lost the light itself. It's funny
to pull up on the lanyard cord and find
only a tail cap connected to it !!

For lights that dont have holes for this already, i guess you will have to be creative

Good luck with it,
Al

 

[Bushman]

al mabey put a drop of loctite, you know the semipermnant stuff that you can still break loose with out haveing to take vice grips to the back of your cap

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Hate to be the killjoy, but I would check the package very carefully, and see if it was specified for use on only guy lines, or warned against use in hanging food. The only reason I mention this is that I know certain types of thin cord, particularly ones with Kevlar or Spectra fibers, can be harmful to trees, digging into the branches, and opening up the possibility for insect infestations, etc.

Keep our wilderness wild for our grandchildren.

Joe S.

 

[MrAl]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bushman:
al mabey put a drop of loctite, you know the semipermnant stuff that you can still break loose with out haveing to take vice grips to the back of your cap<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Great idea Bushman, im going to do this.
When making your own lanyard, you can make
it any length you need. I made mine so that
i can wrap the cord around my belt and put the
light back through the loop so it loops
around my belt and can later be removed
the same way if needed. The light then
goes into the pocket.

You cant imagine the surprise you get
when you need the flashlight and
you pull up on the lanyard cord only to
retrieve a tiny tail cap with no sign
of the flashlight body !! hee hee
Lucky for me i also had the light in my
pocket.

Take care,
Al

 

[Terrapin Flyer]

Also check out the following for lanyard material that contains reflective strands....

Sterling Rope - GloCord
Available at EMS stores for about $.25/ft and comes in various colors. Basically same as Kelty "Triptease" (also good), they may even have manuf'd. it for Kelty.

Blue Water Rope - Niteline
Same type of thing as the others, but comes in a larger diameter version too. Also seen at EMS, but only in larger quantities.

Using these cords makes finding your torches, or being seen (or found if need be) much easier. Nearly all my tent lines are made from these cords now (trips over guy lines have gone down dramatically and our site is easily located at night). I've noticed that these cords are not as smooth as similar cords due to the addition of the Spectra or Kevlar. The point about use on trees is well-taken. They do hold knots rather well though! Still, they make great lanyard material and go along with the "theme" of the tool (flashlight/reflective lanyard).

Don't need reflective lanyards & price is important? Also try parachute cord and other similar cord varieties found at Military Surplus stores. Inexpensive & strong!

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I agree with the usefullness of military paracord for nearly anything. I regularly keep some handy for anything I need cordage for, and have actually climbed a small wall using it (though not suggested, and dangerous, it illustrates how strong it is).

Joe S.

 

[Tesla]

Or the backpacker/low budget choice---*Dental Floss*

 

[Gandalf]

I use black nylon boot laces. The 72 in. length is less than $2, and is very, very strong. Cut to desired length, heat the end to melt the cut strands together, and you have a length of lanyard that will outlast most flashlights.

 

[Darell]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Joe S:
and opening up the possibility for insect infestations, etc.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hey - if you DIDN'T do this, what would those poor insects have to infest? Gotta think of the insects too!

OK - Don't flame me too fast. I actually have a degree in Environmental Science. My minor was in humor.

 

[Darell]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JackStraw:
Sterling Rope - GloCord
Available at EMS stores for about $.25/ft and comes in various colors. Basically same as Kelty "Triptease" (also good), they may even have manuf'd. it for Kelty.
[/b]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Anybody found a good retail source for these? REI would be my first choice, but I certainly can't find it at REI.com. Here's a place that has it, and when you add it to your car it says free shipping, but then charges you $5 for that "free shipping."
NiteLine

edit: Ah, so actually reading the fine prints turns this up: Orders over $50 ship for free, under $50 costs $5 to ship.