Anyone ever used a self-retracting lifeline?

DanielSon

DanielSon

Location
US
Ok,

I get super sick of double tying in with my flip line all the time. it is a pain, and the line gets in the way.

I have always thought of inventing a retractable flipline.

Then I realized that they already make it for iron/construction workers.

http://www.selfretractinglifeline.com/mil01-fl11-6-11ft.html

Has anyone ever used one?

They only weigh 3 pounds.


It seems like if you had a really big hook/snap, that you cold avoid the step of "wrapping" the cable around and then re-hooking it to yourself. If the hook was big enough, it could clip right onto a 1-2 inch branch.

Of course you would not get the stability from it because it would not "lock", but imagine how much easier it would be. Just a quick reach out, snap, and you are double tied in.

Anyone have experiance with them?
 
I don't see why you've got so much problems using a normal flipline. For me it's an extra stability and a way to climb and position better.

If you use it from D-hook to D-hook or just easy switch over to the central sliding belt and use it single rope.

In my opinion you will just loose to much balance if you work with the selfrectracting lifeline and it's just to big and clumsy for hanging on your saddle.

The selfrectrating part you are keen on will make it a nightmare in treeclimbing because you like to set it just at the position off being efficient en balanced.

But that's only my opinion and others have the liberty to have their own ;-)

I'm curious about your findings after a couple off treeclimbs with it.

Climb safe

wouter
 
I like my flipline to be the same set up as my climbing system. This seems to be the most versitile way to go for me.
I dont see a place for that in the tree and three pounds sounds like a LOT of weight to be adding.
I geuss give it a shot and see if it works for you.
 
I agree with Jesse.

I use my flipline as a second climbing line at times. Adds a lot of versatility to the lifeline. I use a 30' lanyard line which can get tangled here and there but it pretty much stays in my side pouch.
 
There was a climber at the ITCC this past summer that had what to me looked like a casing for shells of a gun to go in but her lanyard fed into it. Looks like it could hold a lot of rope
 
I don't know, a self retracting lanyard that held 30 ft of rope, was small and compact, and could lock off at any point could be useful. I could see balance being an issue, but the way you are describing using it may not be that bad. Maybe I'm just tired and not thinking clearly enough about it......
 
Looks like it's a strap, as opposed to cordage.. would bend radius, and getting it folded over in crotches, adversely impact it's holding capacity, and possibly it's retractability? I'm thinking of the seat belt retractor in my truck that works marginally at best, now that it's had time to get gunked up with dirt, dust and debris.
 
you folks do realize that there are lanyards shorter than 30' right, like mine is only 8' or 10' and have never had a problem with it.

I did look into that retractable lanyard and have heard good things, except price, and for the most part terrible durability!
 
That set up is for fall arrest and not work positioning. I dont think it locks unless it is loaded quickly.

It also isnt a good Idea most of the time to safety into single branches. If you were hoping to go over a 2 1/2 inch limb it would be a pretty big snap to be rated properly. I feel that would be more awkward than a safety lanyard.

Stick a throw bag on the lanyard end and it will flip to you every time.
 
I did see that it is ANSI rated, but I don't think that its ANSI approved for tree work. The numbers are different. I could be wrong, im having trouble recalling the numbers. Just something I noticed
 
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That set up is for fall arrest and not work positioning.

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Correct. However, I find that with creative foot positioning, most times (maybe 85% of time) I don't need the flip line for stability.

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It also isnt a good Idea most of the time to safety into single branches.

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Good point. I didnt think of that. I always go around the main beam when possible.

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If you were hoping to go over a 2 1/2 inch limb it would be a pretty big snap to be rated properly. I feel that would be more awkward than a safety lanyard.

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Yes, I am aware that it would be a huge clip. I would need to invent a quick store holster for it.
 
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...I find that with creative foot positioning, most times (maybe 85% of time) I don't need the flip line for stability.

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I used to rely on wrapping my leg around the stem for stability. it was like, how does a frisbee get bigger?

then it hit me. Mr. Dunloop may have a thought on your 85%--exactly which are those 15%?-- creative solution to safe positioning...anyone ever hear of sherlock holmes' 7% solution?
shocked.gif
 
Stability is one thing...safety is another.

There is a good chance that the new Z133 will have a recommendation or advisement to using a lanyard when making handsaw cuts. Think of the rare use of 'should' instead of the preferred 'shall' in ANSI verbiage.
 
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or advisement to using a lanyard when making handsaw cuts. Think of the rare use of 'should' instead of the preferred 'shall' in ANSI verbiage.

[/ QUOTE ]not sure wha tthe count is in the Z but there are many more shoulds than shalls in the A300...
 
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