blocking down a spar?

[MattyD]

Hey guys! Im wondering if there is a better way(more efficient)(not that this isn't) to secure your rope on the spar then the running bowline w/ friction hitch and figure 8 below ? I love this method and have been using it for awile now. Who else uses this and if so do you use the figure 8 or is their a different device out there that would be better? I had to come down the other day pretty quickly and since this method sets up an srt decent my friction hitch bound up really tight on me and was extremly hard to get all the way down, even with the 8.It was about a 40ft descent .Its done this before but not that bad.Is there a better way? Or how do you guys most of the time do it? Thanks , Matt

 

[JesseHuffman]

I like to use an adjustable false crotch and a steel core flipline. I dont know alot about srt but i dont think i would like to decend on a single line.

 

[TreeCo]

Matt you just need to put the load on the eight and loosen up your friction hitch some. The eight should be taking the load with your hitch as backup taking little or no load.

 

[MattyD]

Thanks for replying arbor! Yeah I think that is a great idea.
Ive had the prussic w/ ring they sell from sherrill for awile but i don't know why I haven't used it. Im goin to start practicing with it. It seems like a great alternative.Thanks

 

[MattyD]

Treeco, thanks.Yeah I guess im just not loosining the hitch all the way.I was thinking about that too. does your hitch still get heated when you loosen it all the way. I don't descend rapidly but it still seems to get hot w/ 8. Does that make any scense?

 

[TreeCo]

If I'm dropping a few feet to cut the next block my knot is tight. If I'm dropping more than 10ft. my knot is loose(and cool).

 

[MattyD]

Gothea. thanks

 

[Kevin]

You probably need to experiment with different hitch cords with different configurations.
I use a 4 over 1 Distel, eye/eye 5/16" Ultra Tech on 1/2" single rope and it works well for me, also 3/8" eye/eye Tenex Icicle hitch and it works well but what works for me may not work for you.
Keep experimenting.

 

[TLHamel]

That rug really tied the room together...

Lately I've been using my homemade "Rope Guide" until I buy a real one.

 

[TLHamel]

I rarely use my Adjustable Friction Saver now that I enjoy climbing on a pulley, but it is still a wonderful tool.

Phone's ringin' Dude...

Thank you Donny!

 

[TLHamel]

Or you could use a Gri Gri.

Hey, c'mon man. This affects all of us!

 

[Leon]

Nice pictures TLHamel.


Her life is in your hands dude!

 

[MattyD]

Beautiful pics TLHamel! Thank you so much for postin them. I really like the idea of using the GriGri. It seems like it would be real smooth coming down to the next cut, and taking up slack. Have you ever used that set up for a removal before? Is it safe to use it just like that?
You make one hell of a caucasion their Jackie!

Kevin, thanks for replying as well. I use a four over one distel w/ 5/16 ultra tech eye eye also but w/ PI. I like it but your right I do need to try some other hitch cords and variations. Ive always used a distel w/ ultra tech so I guess it is just hard to give it up. Im sure im missing a lot. Thanks guys

 

[Zac]

The Big Lebowski is one of the best movies ever made....

http://lebowskifest.com/default.asp?

I like yer style Dude.


Back on track, sometimes I use a munter hitch above my friction hitch when decending single line. I use the extra split tail that I carry as a short lanyard fo the munter...


TL -- what do you use for a clevis and shive? I've got a shive from a fixie that I can't find a clevis to fit

 

[TLHamel]

MattyD,
I have used the GG on removals. Very smooth and it's "legal" as far as I know. I prefer the Rope Guide because I don't have to change over to SRT or carry the GG up with me.

Zac,
The pulley in the photo is the original Rope Guide pulley. I bought it a couple years ago from Rob at M+I/Fresco.

 

[Mahk_Adams]

[ QUOTE ]
The pulley in the photo is the original Rope Guide pulley.

[/ QUOTE ]

Have you tried the RG block? Much smoother.

 

[MattyD]

Thanks everyone! you guys are a big help.
I agree Big lebowski is one of the best movies ever Zac.

Our work............alot of ins, alot of outs, alot of what have yous.

 

[TLHamel]

Mahk,

Yes, and I now own a real RG. Awesome!



He said he was gonna cut off my johnson!

What do you need that for, Dude?

 

[Tree_Frog]

If you like lines 11.5mm to 13mm you can use a petzl ID. It is large but a pretty fool proof and safe piece of gear. They do make a smaller one for 11mm and less but the Gri Gri is a smaller option but lacks the safetys that the ID has.

 

[easyphloem]

They're Nihilists Donny.


They're cowards.