I use straps at work to do align pipes aboard navy ships (submarines). Most of the time I don't have the right shackles etc to do the job on hand so i use straps to to form loops etc. At other times I don't have much room so i use a turniquet to draw pipes away or towards a joint. The knots get pretty tight sometimes (I use a lot of bowlins).
I fully agree with all your concerns but I thought you guys might keep this trick in mind when you have a knot you really can't untie. It may not be as bad as it sounds because you do not have to "smash" it with the hammer. More like working it to flatten on one side then flipping it and working to flatten it on the other. I don't recommend this for all uses but try it and you may be pleasantly surprised.
gary |