Target Hanging Material?

[FALex]

hello everyone. A buddy of mine and I are trying our hand at building some steel targets. We have had some success, and a bit of a learning curve. Currently, we are using lengths of chain to hang the steel from rebar. On the first outing, we had already shot the chain which managed to degrade the integrity of the entire structure. Also, since it is hanging by the chain on each side, when hit, the target would actually get tangled around itself. The chain lengths are approximately 10 inches long.

From what I gather already, many folks like to use some type of rubber hose. Any of you guys/gals have experience with this? Could any of you all point me toward a specific type of rubber hose (maybe a supplier as well)?

If we stick with the chains, would shorter lengths be better?

Any and all advice would be appreciated.

 

[harley_jeff]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

I use old fire hose that the local fire station has retired from service. I went by and asked if they had any and they gave me a roll.

 

[Sendero_Man]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

smooth wire for fencing works great too... just like barbed wire, without the barbs.

 

[MTETM]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

We use baler belt...you can get it at any farm supply store...

33 feet is about $200 delivered from balerbelt.com

 

[jasonk]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

Something like this works too if no fire department for hose.

http://www.strapworks.com/Flat_Nylon_Webbing_p/fnw2.htm

 

[hondo1312]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

I use the bright yellow nylon tow straps.

 

[fireEMT5]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

I use old 1-3/4" fire hose from work. Most departments take fire hose out of service when it's 10 years old. Stop by your local dept. and ask if they have any. 1 50' roll would last you a long time. You could also ask your local water dept. or other city shop that may use fire hose for filling trucks, street sweepers etc. Sooner or later they will have hose that is no longer fit for supplying water, but would be great for hanging targets.

Another option is old baler belt from a round baler. If you know any farmers that have balers or old equipment around, you can hunt down some of that stuff.

Either method works very well. Hose or baler belt will take many hits before failing.

I've used just 10" strips of hose or belt. Fastened to target with a bolt, then use a deck screw to fasten the other end to my wood saw horses. If you are using re-bar stand, you could use a loop - approx. 16-20" - fold in half secured by a bolt through your target - put re-bar through loop. 1 - 2 loop depending on the size of your targets.

If neither of those are available to you, you could try using 1" or 2" nylon webbing from some place like http://www.rocknrescue.com/acatalog/1-Tubular-Webbing-FullSpool.html

 

[B.Bates]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

It took me a while to run some down but i am using some old conveyor belt i am really happy with this, it should last a long time

if not then i would recomend a fire hose, to me chain, wire etc isnt the best all it takes is 1 shot and its runied, with a larger material like a belt or hose can take repeated hits and not break

 

[The_Hoff]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

i use 2" flat webbing on my rimfire targets because those straps get tore up very fast so its cheap to replace.

on my center fire targets i get retired fire hose from my fire deptartment, since i work there they just give me tons of it

 

[med17]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

+1 fire hose and conveyor belt. Rock crushers have enough old belting lying around to hang all the targets you'll ever need. Same goes for out of service FD hoses.

 

[FALex]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

I knew that post would help. All great advice/tips. I appreciate the help very much!

 

[scottsnipe]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

I use old tires and cut them with a jigsaw, works perfectly and I have shot the shit out of them and have not replaced them yet.

 

[bdw0469]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

Seat belts

 

[Fester47]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

I use the black solid rubber bungees. Where I work we have a trucker loading area and the place gets littered with broken pieces. I drill a 1/4" hole in the plate and use a bolt and flat washer with lock nut. Shrapnel has yet to cut threw. I don't know if I have ever hit the bungee. If I have it doesn't show any holes in it. They have worked the best for me.

 

[kingweb50]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

sendero, are those just flanges you are using? If so how do they hold up?

 

[distantfoe]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scottsnipe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use old tires and cut them with a jigsaw, works perfectly and I have shot the shit out of them and have not replaced them yet.

</div></div>

Are those cable clamps holding the strap to the cross bar?

 

[Cproflow]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

Seatbelts are a good idea...maybe from a junkyard

 

[bdw0469]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

Or you can go to your local dealership and order seat belt extensions. GM extensions come in 9in and 15 inch. Use any vehicle fairly new. Makes for easy detachment of target and they are very durable. They are FREE (just don't abuse it). Can't charge for them because of the safety factors involved with seat belts.

 

[scottsnipe]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

They are U bolts from home depot, also tighten up real nice. I have used this setup for quite some time now and have not had to replace anything yet.

I also forgot to mention that this is the backside view of the target.

 

[distantfoe]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

Very nice set up! Do you have any issues with the target "walking" to one side?

 

[ejd049]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

Fire hose

 

[Ultraman550]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sendero_man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">smooth wire for fencing works great too... just like barbed wire, without the barbs.

</div></div>
Sendero that is a great idea with the pink tape to figure out wind direction.

 

[Huckleberry75]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

+1 for old tire treads. They take brutal punishment and keep on going.

 

[SuckitTrebek]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

chain, staples depends on the target

 

[JByrd]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

round baler belting. go to your local tractor dealer that sells hay equipment they will have some in the summertime. they change the belts like tires and will prob have some old layin around. its 6 ply+ way heavier than firehose and precut to widt and comes in rolls usually at least 20+ feet long.like some of the other stuff, you can shoot the crap out of it.ive tortured a target or two with an ak.

 

[JByrd]

Re: Target Hanging Material?

my handy dandy antifreeze dot stencil is tha bees knees too