Mixed News

Hi Folks,

An especial welcome to Habakuk, who has sent me a message. Habakuk, I wanted to inquire about the wooden block and the iron suspension bar; but I've managed to get the block constructed, thanks to another reader.

The mixed news is that I have tried the block this afternoon and found it uncomfortable compared to the basic rope method I've been using for many months.

I guess I'm used to the rope and baize. Is it not a bit pernickety assembling the block around your balls; ensuring the cord stays away; trying not to nip your ball sack when tightening it etc?

With the rope, I'm up and away in seconds. I'd concede that there must be a more even stretch with the block method.

I guess I'll stick to my tried and tested technique, attempting two minutes and more on good days! I'm very light and nimble; perhaps that is a factor for me.

Habakuk - matter of interest - what country do you live in?

All the best,

Tim

Technicalities

The block is almost ready. I bought the nylon cord, thick bolts and wingnuts yesterday; and they're all fitted. I've bevelled the hole and sanded the edges of the block.

I'm wondering how to hook the cords up. I do have a few basic "S" hooks, so I could experiment with attaching the hook to my original rope; then suspending the cord from the other end of the hook.

Any thoughts on that? The steel girder is too high up. I wouldn't dare attach the cord directly to it in case I slipped and fell on to the concrete floor!

Tim

Block Work

I've made a start on the wooden block. I still need to drill holes lengthwise for the two bolts; bevel the hole at one side; get two bolts; and drill four more holes for the cord which I also need to find. Do I saw the block in half before I drill the holes? So I saw it in the middle of the hole across the shortest point in the middle, about 2.5"?

Wooden Block

I'd be keen to acquire a wooden block - similar to Habakuk's - for stretching. The one Habakuk used wasn't big at all, but it looked solid and thick.

Pity B&Q DIY stores didn't sell them in self-assembly packs! I'd need step-by-step directions about the type of wood, dimensions, where to cut it in half, where to drill the holes, what length of bolts and any other specifications.

Any thoughts, anyone? More to the point, any carpenters?

Tim

Six Pack Exercise

Hanging by the balls is a great way of exercising your tummy muscles. It is, for me, at any rate. I managed 90 seconds today. There is always chafing afterwards, so I slap some moisturizer on.

I know I could do more than 90 seconds, were it not for the strain on my stomach muscles; and that is despite being fit with a four-pack at least.

As well as the stretch, one needs to stretch right up to grab the rope at the end, in order to pull my self up and get my feet on the ground.

The Hangman's Tools

OK, so here's the complex technical bit. I know it's sophisticated and terribly expensive but, hey! It's worth it for low-hangers that cover your arse-hole.

Note the quality of the rope; the complicated knot; the snooker baize. Wow!

As if you didn't know, I'm being sarcastic. I wish I had the technical know-how to engineer the likes of what Habakuk has done; the way his set-up spreads the weight evenly. I'm no engineer or plumber.

I did the longest time hanging by the balls 10 minutes ago: almost 90 seconds.

Hi there, folks. Well, it's Saturday afternoon and here's my latest full, hanging by the balls. Just a quick minute, as you do.

If there's anyone out there with lower hangers than me, I'll eat my hat! I must be among the lowest hangers in the world, certainly the lowest in Europe.

I need a professional mag to do a proper job, so please get in touch!

Tim