Help with a project... Building a hockey net: How do I attach the net?

I’m about to build a hockey net for my basement, but I have one difficulty that I can’t quite figure out a good solution to that is within my capabilities. Hockey nets are ridiculously expensive, or ridiculously poor quality. I’ve had some PVC ones before; they die in short order. So I’ve decided to build one. The basic idea is to use galvanized pipes and fittings, and make a goal frame. Should be about $35-50 in steel, plus the net which I can get for free when a rink disposes of their old ones (I’ll mend it with old laces)

The problem I have is how to attach the net to the goal. The easy way is to just tie (or ziptie) it to the pipe, like this:

Problem with that is, I’ll eventually break it with shots. I know, because this happened with my net that I had as a kid. Still the probable solution, but I’d like something a little better.

Real nets are attached to the goal with little welded on eyelids like this:

I can’t do that since A)I don’t have a welder, and B)I’m not a good enough welder. I thought about drilling holes in the back and attaching eyelids somehow, but that doesn’t seem like a smart solution (100 holes drilled in steel? I’ll burn through a lot of drill bits)

Anyone else have any smart ideas? I’m also open to using different materials; I really don’t care if the posts are round or not.

Stainless safety wire instead of zip ties? Should last a bit longer.

elastic cable ties instead of zip tie?

Or just replace the zip ties as they eventually break (not sure how often this would be)?

Worm gear hose clamps? Stainless steel cable ties?

ProDarwin wrote: elastic cable ties instead of zip tie? Or just replace the zip ties as they eventually break (not sure how often this would be)?

Often enough that it isn't the best solution. (I have a heavy shot)

Steel wire isn't a bad idea.

EvanB wrote: Worm gear hose clamps? Stainless steel cable ties?

Will be exploring both of these as well. Thanks!

Why not get bigger zip ties?

Doubt you'd break the ones we use for flex ducting. Or the ones they use as handcuffs.

Grizz wrote: Why not get bigger zip ties? Doubt you'd break the ones we use for flex ducting. Or the ones they use as handcuffs.

Got a link?

But have you ever seen/held a hockey puck? It is hard rubber. My slap shot is around 80MPH (well, it was at one point in my life...) Would it hold up to that?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Malco-36-in-Nylon-Adjustable-Tie-25-Pack-TY34/100520678

Now I'm not sure how they'd hold up to a hockey puck but they're cheap enough that you can try them out and see how long they last.

as the zip ties get stronger and stiffer, you will start fraying and tearing the net I think. I'd get some nice synthetic cord and just wrap one long piece around and around and around the bar to "sew" the net to the frame.

In reply to Robbie:

That is about what I was going to say. If the net itself is strong enough, I'd use similar cordage and tie it to the frame.

mtn wrote:

Grizz wrote: Why not get bigger zip ties? Doubt you'd break the ones we use for flex ducting. Or the ones they use as handcuffs.

Got a link? But have you ever seen/held a hockey puck? It is hard rubber. My slap shot is around 80MPH (well, it was at one point in my life...) Would it hold up to that?

Yeah, but are you shooting at 80mph (and making a goal) every single shot?

shower curtain rings?

T.J. wrote: In reply to Robbie: That is about what I was going to say. If the net itself is strong enough, I'd use similar cordage and tie it to the frame.

The thing though is that the net really isn't strong enough. The puck is shot into the netting, the netting absorbs the puck and slows it down, and stretches as it does so. No big deal. But if you put a backstop on it (i.e. the goal post) then it changes the equation.

Go get a slightly dull knife--sharp, but not extremely sharp, and a rubber band. Holding the rubber band between your fingers, push down with some force using the knife. Chances are the knife isn't cutting through it. Now put the rubber band on the desk, and push down with the same amount of force. Now the elasticity doesn't come into play. There is no where for the energy to go, and the band breaks.

Same idea with the netting. And it likely isn't just one shot that does it, but over time it weakens.

failboat wrote:

mtn wrote:

Grizz wrote: Why not get bigger zip ties? Doubt you'd break the ones we use for flex ducting. Or the ones they use as handcuffs.

Got a link? But have you ever seen/held a hockey puck? It is hard rubber. My slap shot is around 80MPH (well, it was at one point in my life...) Would it hold up to that?

Yeah, but are you shooting at 80mph (and making a goal) every single shot?

If I was hitting the net every shot we wouldn't have to worry about this!

I still think safety wire or stainless zip ties are the winners

Cheap, 100 pack for $11 https://www.amazon.com/Vktech-100pcs-Stainless-Exhaust-Locking/dp/B00CTKBTH2/ref=pd_bxgy_263_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=H4X9DZEA8DWGDYHF3N8P

Hm. Since it's for practice - can you use sheet metal instead of netting?

Audio feedback for every goal... CLANG!

I like the wrap-with-cord idea, but java230 posted my other idea with the stainless zip ties. You'd need to put something under them, though, or I figure they'd cut the net.

Robbie wrote: as the zip ties get stronger and stiffer, you will start fraying and tearing the net I think. I'd get some nice synthetic cord and just wrap one long piece around and around and around the bar to "sew" the net to the frame.

Good to know that there is more than one genius on this forum!

This is the answer. Paracord and "sew" it to the frame.

Grtechguy wrote: shower curtain rings?

Not bad.

I'd go with tieing it on with cord. I think it will be more forgiving than the zip ties or steel wire.

1988RedT2 wrote:

Robbie wrote: as the zip ties get stronger and stiffer, you will start fraying and tearing the net I think. I'd get some nice synthetic cord and just wrap one long piece around and around and around the bar to "sew" the net to the frame.

Good to know that there is more than one genius on this forum! This is the answer. Paracord and "sew" it to the frame.

Why didn't I think of paracord?

This is probably the answer. Super cheap, and it even comes in red too, which will match the goal frame once I paint it (after I actually, you know, build the damn thing)

Wall-e wrote:

Grtechguy wrote: shower curtain rings?

Not bad. I'd go with tieing it on with cord. I think it will be more forgiving than the zip ties or steel wire.

You could easily pass for 18

mtn wrote: I can’t do that since A)I don’t have a welder, and B)I’m not a good enough welder. I thought about drilling holes in the back and attaching eyelids somehow, but that doesn’t seem like a smart solution (100 holes drilled in steel? I’ll burn through a lot of drill bits) Anyone else have any smart ideas? I’m also open to using different materials; I really don’t care if the posts are round or not.

Instead of doing that many eyelets, why not combine that with the cord idea?

Space the eyelets out, and then weave the cord through the net, passing the cord through the eyelets.

If you check out the different videos for replacing the mesh on lacrosse sticks, you can find some methods to lace the cord and secure the net so it doesn't slide on the cord to minimize sag.

on edit: Example of lacrosse stringing

so, upon further review:

You say you want to send hockey pucks flying at 80mph inside your basement. You also say that you don't always hit the net (not holding that against you - who does?).

I've suddenly become much more worried about just about everything else in your basement than the cord or zipties holding the net on....

Robbie wrote: so, upon further review: You say you want to send hockey pucks flying at 80mph inside your basement. You also say that you don't always hit the net (not holding that against you - who does?). I've suddenly become much more worried about just about everything else in your basement than the cord or zipties holding the net on....

Working that out still. I don't miss the net by much when I do (I'm a pretty good shot), but I'll need to figure something out. In my parents basement growing up we hung tarp to take the impact. I can't do the same here, but there will be something. Maybe an old mattress. The big concern will be shots off the cross bar that fly up.