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Fixing my sinking float line....

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ILDiver

I just wanna dive
Jul 11, 2005
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I have not tested it yet but I reworked the "float" line I bought from Whopperhead. I went and got several size crimps. I didn't find and steel in the right size at Lowes or Menards, so I got aluminum.

I pulled the tubing back and set it up so the line is shorter than the tubing. That way the line does not allow the crimps to pull out of the tubing. I then took some RTV (silicone) and put in in the tubing and around the crimp and slide the crimp into the tubing. After that, just for kicks I tied a constrictor knot over the tubing just below the crimp. I doubt the knot does anything for me though. My faith is in the RTV! I can't get into a lake for a few weeks, but that is my current method.

I'll let you know how it's working out. and take a couple of pics for illustration. I know bgill and whopperhead were having this sinking issue too, hopefully we will get the lines back to their original glory!

--Chris
 
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Reactions: Whopperhead
I tried to fix mine that same way - Albeit unsuccessfully...I think A FOAM FILLED float line is the way to go. You can get the m from Florida Freediver's Freedive shop online fairly cheap as compared to the "other" float lines -

Here is a link - Enter the store and click on floats...From there you'll find your way...I think it's only like 23 bucks for a 30 footer!...Maybe since you work at a dive shop you can get 'em to give you a discount even! I think I'm gonna order one a little longer than the 30 footer...But to remain LEGAL in Wisconsin waters you must not be further than 50 feet from your dive flag/float.

Good luck...I found that the silicone I used DID NOT cure inside the tube...And also crapped out my shrink wrap tubing! I'm gonna try something different...But me thinks that FOAM FILLED would be TROUBLE FREE!

https://www.flfreedivers.com/
 
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I'm thinking about trying "Gorilla Glue" - it's waterproof, and expands as it cures and sets. I've used it before in Pond repairs and it worked great- We'll see.
 
I did a search. Came up with Urathane Glue. I'll have to see if I can find some tomorrow. I thing the silicone on top of the top of thr crip will still help. I have a line clip and a swivel clip I'd like to use too, so I may cut and recrimp 1 more time.
 
They are not water tight. Whopperhead took a 100' line and made 4 lines from it. I don't know how it was originally sealed so I searching for a way to keep it floating.
 
you really shouldnt cut ready made floating line, it is a bugger to seal as you have found out, the best way to reduce line length with floating line is a winder at the float end, we used to make our own and we sealed the ends with lead shot on the line, shove it down the plastic outer tube about 2cm and heat seal(gently) around the shot, pump a shot of silicone sealant down the rest and same again at the end with the shot pelet, dont forget to leave a length of line to tie off a swivel link. i used this method for a couple of years and no problems, now because of snagging in caves and on rock i use the much loved washing line. by far the cheapest and at 20m lengths just about enough.

Peter.
 
Well, I had a snap swivel here so I decided to give Pastor's diagram a try. A pic is attached. I have not shrinked the end yet, but you can see the knots all tied up and such. I'm heading to the local tackle shop to see if I can find another heavy duty snap swivel with the right size barrel. Judging by the amount of effort it took to get the tube over the swivel, it should stay water tight I believe.
 

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Have you put silicone in the end? that will help loads to keep the damp out
 
Pastor said:
Have you put silicone in the end? that will help loads to keep the damp out
Click to expand...
Not yet, I need another barrel swivel, then I'll seal and finish the line. I just got an order of rubber and a line clip and stuff. I should have ordered a couple of swivel clips for good measure and I didn't. I need to offer line and speargun rigging services with all the stuff I have now . Well another order to come I guess!
 
Cool...Looks to be the same thing as the one Florida Freediver's offers...I'm gettin' one for sure before spring. I'll probably fix the blue one as best I can still and use it as a back-up.

The orange line is supposed to be very visible on the surface too!
 
I plan to use the blue line for Wisconsin/Illinois. But I'll get a 100' line for salt water. Use it the couple weeks a year I go to my parents.
 
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ILDiver said:
...But I'll get a 100' line for salt water....
Click to expand...
What length float line do folks use? I have a 20m (60ft) float line. It is too long for my needs & gets in the way. I was going to get a 10m one (or cut my current one) but opted instead to just wrap a third (between a quarter and a half of the line, depending on location) onto a home-made winder, that is clipped to my float.

I don't go very deep - maybe 20 feet or so max., usually less. I reckon a 10m line would be enough for me. 12-15m might be good "just in case" but equally, the extra line might just get in the way unless wrapped in a small winder.
 
My line is about 20ft long or so for fresh water. All the fish I have shot this year have been in less that 15ft of water. A line for Florida really depends on who I get advice from and the locations I plan to dive.

After I get through a course I may change my hunting style though. But still 30ft or 40ft of line should do fine I would think.
 
I just use the 25' - and Have (had) multiple ones that I can just clip together if I need to go deeper.

I put that GORILLA GLUE in the ends and works good in the Bathtub- I'll put it to the test this SATURDAY at CARP FEST !!!!!!


I like the New Signature - ILDiver! Pretty cool.
 
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I've got more long line clips and heavy snap swivels ordered. I should get them by the end of this week or early next. I ordered extra's just in case. Scott, it you want to rework your other line for Tass we can do that down the road too.

The sig, yeah, I'm ok with it, it needs a little more punch. I gotta brainstorm it some, I just threw it together quick.
 
I got the new clips today from spearfishinggear.com. They are not what I was expecting though. The barrel was not like the ones I got from TechnoSport. They were not as pictured on their site. I'm not complaining, I can still use them, just not for my float line. My muzzle bungee from TechnoSport had the right clip, so I took it off and put one of the clips I got today on the bungee. So now I have the clip I need for the open end of my float line. I did the same trick to this end, 2 crimps and the clip on the loop. I put a little RTV on the ends and then heat shrinked the ends.

Now I just need to test the line to make sure it's got a good seal. I can test it in the bath tub, but I'd rather test it by using it!
 
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