Carboy Hammock

[Chris Norrick]

In light of recent carboy tragedies, I'm making some Carboy Hammocks. Much like a banana hammock, they cradle and fully support their cargo. It's made from 1" heavy polypropylene webbing with a buckle. It's sized to a 6.5 gallon carboy, but it is adjustable with the buckle. I'll try it on a 5 gallon tomorrow to see how it fits. Plus I need to do a full carboy stress test

I sewed up the prototype tonight. I have enough webbing to make enough to just keep on each carboy. I should have some webbing left over if anybody is interested in one. PM me.

[albumimg]256[/albumimg]

[Chris Alvey]

Great work Chris. I have thought about buying (or making) one of those. I was just thinking about it this weekend as I almost dropped a glass carboy on the driveway, in fact.

[Chris Norrick]

The second one went together much faster. Here is how they fit on a 5 gallon and a 6.5 gallon.
[albumimg]258[/albumimg]

I filled up the 6.5 with water and gave it a good shake and jumped up and down with it. It seemed very stable.

If you want to make your own, you'll need:

1-44" piece for the horizontal
2-32" pieces for the handles
3-40" pieces for the verticals
1 buckle

I cut the pieces using a "hot knife" which makes nice clean cuts and melts at the same time. I don't have a real one, I use my wood burning pen with the chisel tip. You could also use a soldering iron I guess. Or cut then melt the ends with a lighter if you're old school.

Sew a 2.75" loop on each end (except the horizontal piece) with a 1" box or hourglass pattern. I used a zig-zag stitch for even more holding power. The loop needs to be big enough for the buckle to pass through. Arrange the three 40" pieces in a star shape and sew them in the middle. Sew the female part of the buckle on with a small loop. That's about it. Assemble with the handles spaced evenly.

I would suggest using 100% polyester thread. It holds up to moisture better than cotton. Like I said, I used 1" heavy polypropylene webbing tested to 680 lbs. I should have some left over if you need some. I'm also going to make some extras and bring them to the meeting.

[jefrey3]

I'm looking for someone to sew some new curtains. I didn't know you had that talent.

[john mills]

I'd like to see if the sling's could be combined with a carrier where the lifting could be done with the legs instead of the back and arms. I was thinking like the ones used in marching band to carry the drums where it fit's over the shoulders.
I've been trying to think of ways to keep brewing well into my later years without all the normal back breaking work.

[Jim W]

Chris,
I would like to see if I could catch up with you before the next meeting and buy your last carrier from you. If you are going to make more, I would buy another one. I am usually driving around town most of the time during the week, so I could go where it is convenient for you.
Thanks.

[Chris Norrick]

Sorry, I overlooked this post. I do have one left and I need to get some more buckles to make some more. I'll shoot you a PM.

[john mills]

Chris,
Could you post where you obtained your supplies. I'm considering using one of these.

[Chris Norrick]

I'll have to dig around and let you know for sure but I should still have plenty of webbing for you. You can get the buckles just about anywhere that sells fabric.