Kayak "must haves"

[Peter_C]

Got a PFD. The cheaper ones were bland, and if I have to wear one, I want to be seen. It is lemon yellow. The paddle keeper looks easy enough to make that I decided to forego the $9.99 price tag for a DIY. Anybody got a heat gun for the shrinky part?

I enjoy building stuff myself too

A hair dryer will not work, but flame will! A small torch, a cigarette lighter, or even a gas stove should work. Work slow and keep the flame moving.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Cool Beans. Where do I get the heat shrink thingys?

 

[DennisS]

West Marine: Heat Shrink Tubing Assortments Product Display

How much did you say that the paddle keeper cost

What size heat shrink do you need?

 

[Peter_C]

Harbor Freight is probably the cheapest place to purchase heat shrink tubing. Any electronics store will also have heat shrink tubing. I buy it in 3' long pieces and have not had to buy the stuff in years, so I have no idea what cost is. Sometimes it is cheaper to purchase the pre-made product as alluded to above. When I bought my kayak they threw the paddle leash in along with the anchor and a few other goodies. Of course there was no discount.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Dang! Here I am thinking that heat shrink stuff can't cost more than about 10¢ each...

 

[DebbyDiver]

I used electrical tie-wraps when I made one.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Harbor Freight is probably the cheapest place to purchase heat shrink tubing. Any electronics store will also have heat shrink tubing. I buy it in 3' long pieces and have not had to buy the stuff in years, so I have no idea what cost is. Sometimes it is cheaper to purchase the pre-made product as alluded to above. When I bought my kayak they threw the paddle leash in along with the anchor and a few other goodies. Of course there was no discount.

Harbor Freight is my friend. One just so happens to be less than a mile from my house! Now to find a cheap place to get the stretchy stuff...like you make the octo necklace with...I got a bunch up at the dive shop down the road from Ginnie Springs a few years ago. I wanted 5 ft. She spooled out about 20 and admitted she didn't know how long 5 ft was....

 

[Peter_C]

I wanted 5 ft. She spooled out about 20 and admitted she didn't know how long 5 ft was....

Bungee cord is available at West Marine, and many other places.

Why not just whip the ends with thread?

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

'Cause that would be too easy?? I am thinking maybe one of my dog leashes is perfect! Duh! A 5ft. nylon leash with a loop at one end and a replaceable snap at the other cost $4.99.. hmmmm.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

West Marine: Heat Shrink Tubing Assortments Product Display

How much did you say that the paddle keeper cost

What size heat shrink do you need?

Nice price...
- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices