Changing out my trapeze shock chord

I noticed Murrays offers both 3/16" and 1/4" shock chord. Which would you recommend for my standard (no wings) trapeze system? Murrays lists the 1/4" as "Premium" chord but they also state the 3/16" stretches more and slides through deck better.

And while we're on the subject, if I decide to go down the "hog rings" route, is it possible to secure them around the new chord without purchasing yet another pair of pliers? (The thought of spending $20 for a pair of "special" shock chord pliers doesn't appeal to me at all, especially when I already have about 10 others). Has anybody used a knot in the end of the shock chord (to connect to the carbine hook) instead of hog rings? With my current setup, the shock chord is cinched directly to the adjustment line (no hooks).

in more than 30 years of Hobie Cat ownership, I have only used plain ol' pliers to clinch hog rings. or you could modify an old pair with filing a groove in the jaws.

get yourself some shrink tubing, it makes a nice finish and keeps the rings from scratching the boat. works better than tape.

_________________
Chris
'88 H18SE Arís

That's what I was hoping to hear, Chris, thank you. Do you use 1/4" shock chord or something else?

Solcore is da' bomb for replacing the shock cord. I use 3/16" on my boat.