I keep my handsaw on my left and my knife on my right so as to have something in reach no matter how I might be constrained. Looking into one of those quick release chest knives as well. I totally agree with Tom that handsaws are incredibly useful for a variety of tasks. My concern is more that...
This, not whether you have a handsaw or not, is the root of the issue. Overall, specific remedies are not as important as being cognizant and respectful of the dangers we face. I personally carry both a handsaw and a knife with me on every climb, rec climbs included. I don’t like the idea of...
Look for condensation or other moisture around the battery and make sure it is dry. Clean both battery terminals then spray with battery protector. Check the connectors, even if they look fine, and/or wiggle the wires (especially at strain points) before trying to start again. If still nothing...
It all depends what you need and are willing to put up with. We scored a bandit 90xp for $2500. Was another arbs fourth machine that he wanted gone. Autofeed was broken, directional valve was bungeed forward (both directions worked, wouldn’t stay), and the lights were completely buggered. New...
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone. Great crew with a very safe and relaxed atmosphere. Mert is extremely knowledgeable and a great all around guy, the kind of guy for whom I would put my own clients on hold and drive the 6.5 hrs to go pull out of a pinch. Plus you’ll get to climb some...
I really like Kujo Yardwear for prunes and rec climbs. They are a landscaper/lawnmower shoe. Really light, water resistant, breathable, and great grip on bark (as well as my snowskate). I’ve worn mine through the worst 6 months Vermont usually offers and they look like it’s only been 1 month.
I’ve had my positioner for about a year and a half and can count on one hand the number of times it has eaten slack when I didn’t want it to. All occurrences happened trying to vertically advance my landyard when I had the rope in an essentially vertical position. If I’m trying to make a crucial...
I run my solo speedlines through a pulley at the far end, back through a pulley at the base of the tree and then tie/tension it on a stub on the backside to partially offset side tension by putting the backside in compression. Obviously side tension wins out so if I have any concerns at all...
While we all understand “caught-ins”(41), the highest category “struck by” (57) is rather vague. Is that parking the chipper under the tree being worked on and catching a falling hanger? Is it branches doing a rapid readjustment on the infeed? Is it sticking your unprotected temple in front of...
I emergency made my own a couple weeks ago (I needed one faster than I could get one) with 1 1/2” schedule 80. FW Webb’s was out of butterfly and ball valves so I ended up with a gate valve (again, I was pressed for time and couldn’t wait for an order). 3’ air chamber, 4’ barrel. The good/bad of...
Well that’s really weird as those lower heights are the ones that are most likely to leave you crippled. 60’ and above there’s not much hope. My fall was 25’ and I deal with back pain daily. Now as I am writing this though, I do recall a period in my recovery where I would be totally...
Lot of good posts in this thread. Just keep at it Monkey. It took me a long time, a number of terrified discussions in my head, and a lot of broken personal barriers to get back to where I am now after my fall. Sounds like you may have found the right work environment to help get you there.
The...
There is a difference between being a gear junkie and buying new gear to become more efficient and/or safer. I’m a gear junkie in that I investigate and learn about all new stuff but I definitely don’t have the money to buy it all and test it out. While it probably wastes a little more time than...
Somewhat curious about the two rope option that was only lightly touched upon. So, if I heard correctly, in a sketchy tree I can run a bail out line to a bomber tie in and still work a normal canopy tie all off the same device?
I’ve seen flagrant safety violations in every industry I’ve worked in since I was legally able to work. There’s a reason I work for myself and always will. To modify a familiar quote: “All I have in this world is my word, my safety mindset, and my balls. And I don’t break ‘em for nobody.”