Thread: This fire hose strop idea didn't work

I got access to a bunch of relatively clean fire hose. Various sizes etc. This is 2.5 inches across flat.

The outside is as clean as could be expected but as I looked at it the inside is "perfect".

Why not try and turn it inside out?

Because it doesn't work!



This is as far as I got before I gave up.

Maybe I should try some 4 inch?

So cut it down the side to open it up... now you have a 5" wide strop!

That has been thought of also.

Was that plan D or plan F?

How to get a good hem?

Tim, maybe try threading a string or small rope down the inside, the bailing wire or you could even sew it to the string or rope and pull the end through the hose. You would have to pull on it close to where the fold over is so it doesn’t bunch up as you try to pull. I know you tried the other way already, maybe this works better?

Originally Posted by 32t

That has been thought of also.



How to get a good hem?

Burn off the threads, treat with beeswax then burnish?

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fit the hose over a slightly smaller diameter pvc pipe. Sew at the top. Pull thru the inside of the pipe with a coat hanger???
Maybe twist as you pull?

wouldn't it just be easier to wash it?

Originally Posted by tintin

wouldn't it just be easier to wash it?

Yes probably and I still will have to wash it if I did get it inside out.

At first thought it wouldn't seem that hard to do and I have not heard of anyone else trying it so why not give it a go?

And it is fun to experiment!

In the sewing industry when fabric is sewn into a tube it is sewn inside out, (seam on the out-side), Then a long stiff wire, longer than the length of the tube, much like a coat hanger with a hook on one end is fed inside the tube an hooked on to one end.

The hook grabs one edge and the fabric is then pulled into the tube, turning the tube inside out, (the opposite of your photo).

This is usually done with softer, more flexible fabrics, I do not know if this can be done with stiff, thick flax fire hose.

Take a short piece and try it with a coat hanger.

Cleaning is not difficult, it does take some time, I have posted my process a few times and it took several days of soaking, to fully clean. And the hose I was using was fairly clean, it was never used and stored in a hose cabinet. The fine dust gets into the weave and must be washed out completely.

Putting a hose through a cycle or two in a washing machine will not completely clean a flax hose. Any remaining dirt is grit of unknow material and size, most probably much higher than your coarsest stone.

You are done, when your rinse water is clear, Vinegar in your rinse water will help to remove the soap, any remaining soap acts as an attractant to dust and grit.

The one idea that is coming to mind now is that I tried to have the tube/hose on the inside and fold it around the outside. Not bringing the outside into the center.

This brings up plan H.