DMM throw hook.

[TimBr]

Ok, @WaitakKauri. Your post led me to have a rather wacky idea. How about the possibility of incorporating one of these at the shackle end of the hook?: http://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?category_id=135&item=135

Put a biner on one end of the rope, and a hitch-tending pulley and prussik on the other end. It would require twice as much rope to go the same distance, but if it worked, you'd have a nearly friction free DdRT setup.

Maybe it would make it too hard to throw, though. Just a thought. This would work best when attaching directly to a nearby crotch, and not trying to hook a branch below the target crotch, obviously.

Tim

 

[Steve Connally]

Got my hook yesterday. Forgot to order the cinch. Now it just sits until Saturday. Damn

 

[moss]

Hey, @WaitakKauri, are you saying that you are going to try to use just a pulley and a hitch on a single line configuration? Without a Rope Wrench or Hitch Hiker or other device to share friction with the hitch? I will be interested in how this turns out for you, if that is the case. Maybe for such short attempts at lowering, a friction sharing device is not needed.

It's a smart strategy, I use my lanyard (hitch cord and HC) in single rope configuration all the time, no need to think of the hook differently. I think there may be too much emphasis on thinking of the hook as a climbing system, it's really a lanyard with a hook on the end (not to overstate the obvious) and can be used much the same way as a center anchored (on your harness) positioning lanyard. For a hitch based lanyard (no multicender involved) advancing the hitch is no problem, for letting out line simply taking weight off the hitch by grabbing the line above the hitch or below the pulley accomplishes the same load sharing as a rope wrench or other multicender, the hitch works. This assumes the hook is being used as intended, with support from your primary rope or as I've used it with my feet on the tree somewhere. I don't like the idea of having everything on the hook for a vertical descent. The Cinch is more compact than a hitch so it works well for me and since I'm not using the hook as a dedicated ascent/descent system (tsk, tsk, no) either a stand-alone hitch or Cinch-like device meets my requirements, each has its advantages and disadvantages over the other.
-AJ

 

[moss]

Got my hook yesterday. Forgot to order the cinch. Now it just sits until Saturday. Damn

Damn Steve, just throw a hitch cord and a micropulley on it, yer good to go!

 

[moss]

Ok, @WaitakKauri. Your post led me to have a rather wacky idea. How about the possibility of incorporating one of these at the shackle end of the hook?: http://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?category_id=135&item=135

Put a biner on one end of the rope, and a hitch-tending pulley and prussik on the other end. It would require twice as much rope to go the same distance, but if it worked, you'd have a nearly friction free DdRT setup.

Maybe it would make it too hard to throw, though. Just a thought. This would work best when attaching directly to a nearby crotch, and not trying to hook a branch below the target crotch, obviously.

Tim

Interesting idea although I think it would defeat the basic utility/simplicity of the device by introducing twice the length of rope, increase hang-up potential (every little nub is going to grab into that loop) and make throwing more difficult. As I mentioned, a simple hitch gets you 95% (more than good enough) of the way there to excellent progress capture functionality.

 

[DSMc]

I'm just planning to use a VT with HC for simple and smooth tending. I have a short webbing loop with revolver for 3:1, but likely to just use a foot....

That will work well. But I agree with Moss that the Hook should be viewed as a positioning system not a climbing system. As such, you will be hard pressed to find a simpler and more efficient, midline attachable tool than the Trango Cinch.

 

[TimBr]

It's a smart strategy, I use my lanyard (hitch cord and HC) in single rope configuration all the time, no need to think of the hook differently. I think there may be too much emphasis on thinking of the hook as a climbing system, it's really a lanyard with a hook on the end (not to overstate the obvious) and can be used much the same way as a center anchored (on your harness) positioning lanyard. For a hitch based lanyard (no multicender involved) advancing the hitch is no problem, for letting out line simply taking weight off the hitch by grabbing the line above the hitch or below the pulley accomplishes the same load sharing as a rope wrench or other multicender, the hitch works. This assumes the hook is being used as intended, with support from your primary rope or as I've used it with my feet on the tree somewhere. I don't like the idea of having everything on the hook for a vertical descent. The Cinch is more compact than a hitch so it works well for me and since I'm not using the hook as a dedicated ascent/descent system (tsk, tsk, no) either a stand-alone hitch or Cinch-like device meets my requirements, each has its advantages and disadvantages over the other.
-AJ

This is the simple answer to the issue that had not dawned on me. Thanks for this post, moss. It is obviously the way to go.

Tim

 

[TimBr]

That will work well. But I agree with Moss that the Hook should be viewed as a positioning system not a climbing system. As such, you will be hard pressed to find a simpler and more efficient, midline attachable tool than the Trango Cinch.

I loved the Cinch; I still own one, but primarily use it at my basal anchor to try to make it possible for people to easily lower me if needed, like a cheaper version of the Petzl Rig. My only complaint about the Cinch is that, if I'm remembering right, it is not able to be kept captive while you change out the rope, and it is therefore able to be dropped.

If I got the hook, I'd install the Cinch on the line while on the ground and then leave it there until doomsday.

Tim

 

[Dave Rohach]

Hey Steve, Moss is correct, the E2E & pulley, in a VT would allow you to use the hook until you get your Trango. Definitely not as simplistic, but definitely functional. Be Safe!

 

[moss]

If I got the hook, I'd install the Cinch on the line while on the ground and then leave it there until doomsday.

Tim

One thing I've noticed with a few years of climbing under my belt is that in regular life it's very rare for me to drop something and if I do I often make the save before it hits the ground. Yet another benefit of being a tree climber concerned with dropping stuff out of a tree ;-)

 

[Steve Connally]

I have to look in my bag. I think I have hitch cord and a micro pulley. Ive been 100% mechanical for so long I don' even know what's in my gear bag.

 

[WaitakKauri]

That will work well. But I agree with Moss that the Hook should be viewed as a positioning system not a climbing system. As such, you will be hard pressed to find a simpler and more efficient, midline attachable tool than the Trango Cinch.

I agree as well, the hook is not a climbing system. This is a good point worth repeating.

I just have no budget for the tango so it's going to be what I have in my bag. I'm already getting headaches with the coffee cutback requird to purchase the hook!

 

[TimBr]

You could make up a cardboard sign and hang out near the highway on-ramp. "Will climb and cut deadwood for coffee."

 

[Dave Rohach]

Hey guys, I'm not suggesting the use of the hitchcord and micropulley as a permanent attachment, but as a means for Steve to be able to use the "Hook" until he acquires a Trango Cinch. I'm fully aware of the fact that the "Hook" is not to be used as a Primary device by any means. It's more like having a fine bottle of wine and no corkscrew. You get the analogy, I'm presuming. Just thinking out side the box, or in this case, the carry bag!

 

[Steve Connally]

Well it doesn't matter because I think all the hitch cord and micro pulleys are at home in the never gets used anymore box. Unfortunately I'm at the fire station. Straight to tree work tomorrow so its just for show for now.

 

[ClimbHy]

Is the DMM hook something you carry with you all the time? I currently use a folding grapple but it's to bulky to just have on the saddle full time, so I just take it when I need to traverse. problem is sometimes when I need it it's in the truck. I always carry a 32' 10mm multi purpose lanyard in a store bag on my saddle, so I guess that parts covered.

 

[Huskyman]

HEADS UP there's a problem with the Petzl Grigri II used as a progress capture with the DMM Captain.

I tested the Grigri II with the hook today. Flat out no go for me.
-AJ

My Captain hook kit just arrived!
Although AJ already did some testing with the GriGri, I just had to try it out myself. Well, AJ was absolutely right, no doubt about it. GriGri and the 10 mm rope supplied with the hook is a big no-no.

 

[moss]

Is the DMM hook something you carry with you all the time? I currently use a folding grapple but it's to bulky to just have on the saddle full time, so I just take it when I need to traverse. problem is sometimes when I need it it's in the truck. I always carry a 32' 10mm multi purpose lanyard in a store bag on my saddle, so I guess that parts covered.View attachment 37309

I make a decision on the ground whether I'll bring it up or not based on the qualities of tree, what I want to accomplish etc.

The hook looks to be a bit lighter and less bulky than your folding grapple so you might carry it more anyway.
-AJ

 

[monkeylove]

Well have you all played with the hook enough to make a decision on best package deal?

1. Buy as kit and add cinch
2. Buy as kit and add prusik/pulley
3. Buy separate, use climb line, add friction device

You know at some point I will break down and get one.

 

[DSMc]

I don't know yet exactly how I will end up with mine as I bought the kit and have not felt the need to change things, but I can definitely say the Captain+10mm Sirius+Trango works flawlessly.