Friction Savers

R

rangerdanger

Location
Lexington, Kentucky
Well, I would like to start using one and just wondered if there are any special ones or little tricks to getting them to work. I've had trouble with them in the past and just used a cambium saver, which dosen't work great for some trees. Also, what type of rings are better to buy with them. Thanks alot
 
U talking about this ranger?

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There pretty straight forward to use...just be aware that the friction that would have normally been on your rope over the branch is displaced to your friction hitch when using a cambium/friction saver.

This means the cord/rope you use for your friction hitch is being subjected to more heat and stress.

Maybe use gripper gloves as well because it aint so easy to hold the line while you pull up the slack when using a friction saver.

Sometimes the friction over the branch can be your friend.

They don't really save friction they just displace it. They do however help the tree and your main climbing rope.
 
I like to test mine before I set it to ensure it will come down. Meaning, pull it (the bigger ring) through the crotch your setting it in a few times to make sure it won't get caught on any stubs or in the crotch itself.
 
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I like to test mine before I set it to ensure it will come down. Meaning, pull it (the bigger ring) through the crotch your setting it in a few times to make sure it won't get caught on any stubs or in the crotch itself.

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Great advice!!!


You may want to look into one that is adjustable!!!
 
They will save your ropes...but if they are not used, well cared for climbing ropes seem to last almost indefinetly, so why bother using them for the sake of rope longevity?

I have used them and continue to try them in situations of extreme pine sap gumming up the climb line when run thru natural crotches.

Some of the best climbers in the world use them virtually full time so they must have alot of utility that I don't understand or haven't experienced.
 
i prefer some friction on support to buffer side to side movemeant. Without friction saver; friction is spread out between points/ not as concentrated in one. More 'cool down' for same friction i'd think that'd imply. On longer drops i like dragging feet for same reason; and to 'feel' line; as insurance i 'aven't run out.

As said; friction saver is a misnomer. It still takes the same amount of friction to give the same amount of brake force to the same loading. And, a friction saver concentrates it all in your hand; unless you also drag your feets sum on descent.

That leaves just ascent as the advantage. IMLHO Tom has been write all along with SRT for that. So, id recommend something like a Pantin and a Kong; with a drop loop for free foot on the Kong for rope walking to a spikeless ascent. Then change over to DdRT. Pantin is kept on foot for any short climbs up; and helping to pretighten lines; even in a '2Handing' fashion for more pretightening to ballast the load with line for more 'float'
 
I like them for footlocking because it puts the lines closer together as you appoach the TIP, unlike when you set your line on a natural crotch. That rope spread scares me to death when going up and you can never get as high as ya want. Is this fear unwarranted? i heard of climbers being sent down suddenly when their prussick got into the rope spread.
peace
 
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Is this fear unwarranted?

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Definitely not. It will spread the prussik apart and disable the knot. I think there is a certain rule out there about how close you can get to the limb, depending on the diameter? Maybe somebody knows the numbers...

jp
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Yup, for instance, for a 3 inch branch this means you have to stop pushing the prussic up about 15 inches from the branch.

Using a friction saver has more advantages than just not damaging the trees crotch and keeping your rope in a good condition.
'Pulling' yourself up is a lot easier through a FS than a rubbing crotch. Lowering yourself is always done with the same friction free ease. You manage your amount of desired friction by adjusting the hitch.

This is mine and it rocks!!! No noticeable friction.
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That's the word.


I started using a friction saver after years of marveling at the magic trick of installing them. I was amazed to find out it was no magic at all.


SZ
 
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Is that retrievable? Doesn't look like the pulley is big enough to pass a knot . . .

k

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Yes it is retrievable. No knot needed. The eye splice is whipped (is it the right word for the little rope around the splice) and this is just wide enough to be caught by the little shackle.
 
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