DIY Grappling Hook

This is a do it yourself grappling hook meant to imitate the New Tribe YELLA GRAPNEL. Keep in mind this is a very crude prototype that i threw together in about 15 min. This is meant for retrieving your throw line when doing a traverse etc... It is basically free, it is constructed of a wire hanger, and the top of one of the paint opener things you can get for free at home depot. There bonded together with J.B Weld. I have not gotten a chance to try it yet, but will soon. I would love for some feedback on how to make it better, or if you think it will work.

The New Tribe model has 4 smaller "grab arms". You may find 4 grabs the rope a lot quicker than three.

You may consider using a small keychain type carabiner for quick attachment to your line.

Looks great for a 15 min. of work.

Thanks for the suggestions!!! I will work on the next model in the next couple of days, and incorporate a small carabiner and 4 hooks instead of just 3. I will post the next model once i am finished.

Looks good. I made the prototype for the Yella Grapnel out of a coathanger too! I would suggest adding something to colour the arms brightly so that you can see hem more easily when lining them up with the dangling line.

The top-heavy design with lightweight arms should help the grapnel tip over when the arm hits the line, helping it to catch onto it. A smoother helical shape on your arms should help avoid the line from slipping off them.

Let us know how it performs!

Michael

michaeljspraggon wrote:

I would suggest adding something to colour the arms brightly so that you can see hem more easily when lining them up with the dangling line.

Michael

I think the bright color is a very good idea. Caution orange might work nice....

Here is a picture of one that I am using, maybe the idea will inspire some other thoughts for those of you who like to tinker.

It's not meant to be like the little yellow one. I just needed a hook. I didn't know what size to make, so this idea allowed me to put whatever length bolts in that I wanted. Leaving the heads on seems to help the line capture.

Mean! It looks like some kind of medieval weapon!

Michael

I guess I should have put a ruler in the pic. The hook is only three inches long!!! Not as impressive as it looks.
I was going to make a smaller one, Although now you have me thinking...
In the left picture where the bolts are in the 'stored' position it's about five inches long.

I think the one with the bolts would appeal to 2Chops. Very weapon like. I could see the model in a ninjitsu dojo as well. Ninjas work with what is around them.

I am indeed lusting after this fine looking weapon er, ah, I mean tool for the canopy. Look out squirrels.

Is this the birth of a new martial art - Borutodo (the way of the bolt)?

:laugh

Michael

HUK wrote:

Here is a picture of one that I am using, maybe the idea will inspire some other thoughts for those of you who like to tinker.

It's not meant to be like the little yellow one. I just needed a hook. I didn't know what size to make, so this idea allowed me to put whatever length bolts in that I wanted. Leaving the heads on seems to help the line capture.

Are those three nuts welded on or did you use an epoxy / JB Weld type product?

I welded the nuts together (never tried JB weld). They're the standard 1/4" size. This size seems to give a good throwing weight and doesn't take up too much room on your saddle.

For the moment I am carrying several sizes of the bolts in my side bag until I decide which lengths I like best (besides, with it disassembled it stores easier and doesn't catch on everything and create a big tangle)

I forgot to mention for this one I used 7 nuts total.
Three to hold the bolts in the 'grapel' configuration. Three more directly below to hold the bolts in the 'stored' postion to keep all the bolts together while in my bag. One final nut to hold the main shaft. This way there is one main hub and all four bolts can be changed at any time.

HUK wrote:

I forgot to mention for this one I used 7 nuts total.
Three to hold the bolts in the 'grapel' configuration. Three more directly below to hold the bolts in the 'stored' postion to keep all the bolts together while in my bag. One final nut to hold the main shaft. This way there is one main hub and all four bolts can be changed at any time.

Nice description, I don't think I would have noticed or understood the storage nuts or location.