Favorite bungee cords?

[hifi_hokie]

I'm a milk crate addict for storing tools and camping supplies in my jeep, but I'm wondering what people have found to last as far as bungee cords go. I could use ratchet straps, but that seems a little overkill, I'd rather save those for the roof rack

Are there US-made bungees that are worth buying? I've always just used cheap Home Depot specials, but I wouldn't mind buying a nice set.

 

[ed4banger]

I prefer to make my own. Therefore, its always the right size. Here is where i buy my supplies:

http://www.bungeeco.com/index.php

 

[drivesitfar]

HIFI: i use my black rubber ones a lot when a ratchet strap is too much for the situation. i have a box with various lengths. i used to use the ones with holes in them, but if they eventually break if you pull them too tight too often or have them holding down VERY HEAVY items.

making your own sounds interesting though.

 

[gdocktor3]

I bought a **** load of bungee cords with carabiners on the ends ranging from 12-48" for like $2-3 each at the flea market. They're awesome if you have the tie down hooks or rings on the bed of your truck. They also work good when combining more than one or using one to wrap something up because you know they won't separate. Here's an example http://www.google.com/shopping/prod...G9758-ohbUEe_Nost4Tw74cUuSAgiydnwwaAgiu8P8HAQ

 

[ed4banger]

HIFI:

making your own sounds interesting though.

The bulk cord I have bought from them seems to be of better quality than most of the budget pre-made cords I have bought over the years. Just need cord, ends, appropriate hog rings and pliers. I've taken to cutting the ends off all my old cords before I discard them, as many of the ends are reusable.

 

[rlitman]

My current favorite are the Home Depot HDX brand adjustables:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-6-in-to-48-in-Adjustable-Bungee-Cords-2-Pack-2S9C0N/100401412

There's a jam cleat in the hook that allows you to shorten it to get just the right tension. The cord it comes with is rather good, the covering is seemingly abrasion resistant, and the hooks are sufficiently strong. Anyway, you can't buy bulk bungee for that price, and I've never had the need for a cord longer than 4' anyway. Yes, I do have plenty of hog rings and pliers, but making my own bungees just doesn't add up for me.

I'm NEVER using black rubber bungees again. I've had too many snap on me. Cloth covering and inner strands prevent catastrophic failure.

 

[ttensirk]

I purchased "made in USA" rubber bungee cords from Harry J Epstein about 4 years ago. HJE refers to them as "tarp tie downs," but I've always called them rubber bungee cords. Whatever they are called, I find them darn handy at times and cheap too (approx $2 ea). I keep 4 of each size in my truck along with my ratchet straps.

Sizes 15" (R715B), 22" (R722B), & 31" (R731B).

No complaints and would not hesitate to purchase more if needed.

 

[928'er]

Bungee cords are one of those things we take for granted. A friend of mine who is a real outdoors woman (abalone diver, etc.) was loading up her Jeep for a camping trip. She was using a bungee to lash some stuff on the top when it came loose and snapped back. Caught her right in the eye.... So, treat them with respect.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... For black rubber bungees, if it ain't Radiator brand, it's junk,.....

 

[mtnkid85]

Titan straps are my go to "quick" straps now. Not quite the same thing as a bungee, but works better in most situations.

Any skiers in here will quickly recognize them as a burly ski strap.

 

[2CRUZ]

There is quite a difference in black rubber bungee cords. I have one on my boat motor that has been on there for 10 yrs and is still as good as the day it was new. I have bought the ones that Lowes sell and they aren't worth 10 cents. They don't last very long at all. They dry up and crack and brake. I haven't been able to find good ones like the one on my boat motor. I'll try some of the ones that you guys recommend.

 

[Engine]

I prefer to make my own. Therefore, its always the right size. Here is where i buy my supplies:

http://www.bungeeco.com/index.php

I've bought some pre-made and bulk bungee cord materials from them within the last three years. They definitely sell high quality components.

They are made of very "stretchy" rubber, unlike some of the cheaper cords sold by big box stores. Some of the low quality ones seem to stretch about 1/4 of the length and stop. Theirs don't, they stretch out for maybe 2x the original length so they are more adaptable. Also, the ones I've used from the bungee co. have lasted for years outdoors in the weather.

 

[gdocktor3]

There is quite a difference in black rubber bungee cords. I have one on my boat motor that has been on there for 10 yrs and is still as good as the day it was new. I have bought the ones that Lowes sell and they aren't worth 10 cents. They don't last very long at all. They dry up and crack and brake. I haven't been able to find good ones like the one on my boat motor. I'll try some of the ones that you guys recommend.

You need USA made "tarp straps" that are commonly used by truckers. Gold Line or Silver Line are the names I always remember seeing.
http://www.universalpolymer.com/goldline-silverline.html
http://wilsonmfgco.com/products/hardware/tarpstraps/
http://www.ericksonmfg.com/product/heavy-duty-rubber-tarp-strap-2/

 

[bwringer]

Rok Straps are very well proven in motorcycle use.

They don't use hooks, so may or may not be practical for your situation.

 

[hifi_hokie]

I purchased "made in USA" rubber bungee cords from Harry J Epstein about 4 years ago. HJE refers to them as "tarp tie downs," but I've always called them rubber bungee cords. Whatever they are called, I find them darn handy at times and cheap too (approx $2 ea). I keep 4 of each size in my truck along with my ratchet straps.

Sizes 15" (R715B), 22" (R722B), & 31" (R731B).

No complaints and would not hesitate to purchase more if needed.

Perfect! Added a 31" to an order of US-made impacts I needed anyway

 

[bsg1]

there is no specific company that i can recommend for a bungee cord. i remember seeing some nice looking ones at a Harley Davidson dealership and also remember them being what i considered to be overpriced.
i've got a no-name bungee cord given to me by a seller at the swap meet when i purchased an old stuffed platform rocker (great chair manufactured by the company that is credited with inventing the modern platform rocker). this beater bungee cord is a constant companion to the collapsable baby stroller that is my swap meet carry-all and has proven itself to be a winner over and over again.

 

[KRB52]

Fifty feet of quality rope (maybe 3/8 or so), several decent, heavy-duty hooks, someplace to hook to and the ability to tie basic knots.

Yeah, I've got several bungees of various sizes but I still don't like them. Convenient, yes, but when the damn things let go or slip from your hand, that metal end can do damage to both body and property.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I made a bunch of small ones using cord I bought on Ebay. mostly 1/8". I stead of the typical bungee hook end, I make a very tight loop that I "seal" with dual wall shrink tubing and the use S-hooks. Close the S and you are done.

I have use similar technique to make bigger circles that I use as rubber bands. Great to keep plastic boxes closed if you drop them.

 

[JRC3]

My current favorite are the Home Depot HDX brand adjustables:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-6-in-to-48-in-Adjustable-Bungee-Cords-2-Pack-2S9C0N/100401412

I love these. The hook end was just a little better two years ago but they are still awesome. The ones in the link are the older style.

 

[rlitman]

I love these. The hook end was just a little better two years ago but they are still awesome. The ones in the link are the older style.

They changed them? I just bought two more packs of them identical to the link in the last week.

 

[JRC3]

They changed them? I just bought two more packs of them identical to the link in the last week.

The newer ones I bought didn't have the raised nubs and only had two cut grooves...I'll take a pic tomorrow.

With that said, I tried to buy some more a few weeks ago and the store was out of stock...Hopefully they've gone back to the original type and I haven't seen it.

Both styles are good.

 

[drink]

 

[ttpete]

I like to buy aircraft quality bungee cord by the foot and make my own. There are plastic hooks available that attach by hand and can be removed and re-attached anywhere along the length of the cord.

 

[usdemt]

For all around best use find some polyurethane slotted straps. I tried these on a whim and have never looked back. By far the best carry in you truck for whatever bungees you can buy.

http://www.justduckyproducts-store.com/Adjust-A-Strap_p_73.html

I store them out of UV light but they still have lasted me over 3 years of infrequent use (I prefer ratchets) but they have been in my truck box and besides being faded from dirt and junk they are still like new. I highly recommend them. I used to use the rubber ones that all the truck drivers use but they would dry out and rot over time. Much happier with these and they are adjustable length.

FYI not where I bought them, got mine from a local hardware store that had them on special.