Uncle John’s Flying tips #14 - Brummel Hooks
Brummel hooks were designed for sailors with soggy hands to undo signal flags easily. Unfortunately, they are used on Paragliders to attach speed systems.
I say unfortunately as they undo too easily, can trap (micro) lines at launch or in a deflation and are not very easy to re-connect in the air, especially if you are wearing gloves and/or are flying a crowded site.
It is a mystery to me why most manufacturers are sticking with brummel hooks, as these problems are generally known.
I looked for a solution and decided on a piece clear plastic tube! Simply slide it over the speed bar brummel hook connect to the speed system brummel hook and slide up.
When removing always move the tube down the line, that way if you forget to re-install the tubing then it won’t get trapped between the pulley & brummel hook, potentially engaging the speed system.
Tip, when needing to remove them, especially in cold weather, hold the tube in the palm of your hand to raise the temperature slightly makes for easy removal of the hooks.
You still have to check these as part of your pre-flight checks
There are other solutions: replacing the brummel hooks with mini maillons or a knot, using an ‘O’ ring to keep the hooks together (this still may not stop a line from getting trapped in it) or putting a small piece of tubing in the gap of the brummel hooks.
I had to buy more tubing than I needed and have 5 pairs to give away on the hill.
Nasher
