GAFF STRAP WRAP

[SingleJack]

Seems to be a lot more removals this year. I guess the economy made a lot of people neglect their trees until it was too late. So, I'm using climbers a lot more than ever and have been trying to make improvements. I started with the shin pads and took Sean's advice to try as many types as I could borrow.

Then, I wondered if different boot wraps made any difference. Below are six pix of ways to wrap the boot strap. I'm interested in what others do.

Picture 1 is as shown on page 88 in Mr. Beranek's book (The Fundamentals of General Tree Work, G.F. Beranek, 1998).

Picture 2 is how I started climbing and is as shown on page 91.

Picture 3 was taught to me by Don Blair which works best for me.

Pictures 4, 5, & 6 are just 'variations-on-a-theme'.


Picture 1 - wrap boot only (Beranek, p88)

Picture 2 -wrap boot & frame (Beranek, p91)

Picture 3 - wrap boot & loop 'down' around frame ... my favorite

Picture 4 - wrap boot & loop 'up' around frame

Picture 5 - wrap boot & reverse loop 'down' around frame

Picture 6 - wrap boot & reverse loop 'up' around frame

 

[JeffL]

I started with #4, but have used #3 for the past year after being shown that method. Works great to keep stuff in place.

 

[Kramer]

Started with #1, (slipping too much)
Tried #2 for quite a while.(Just wasn't right)
Had to order longer straps and use #3 now.(Works great)

I use a small screw link on the outside to bring the strap up about 2" higher.

 

[btstree]

I have always used #4, but I guess I will have to give 3 a shot.

 

[treehumper]

Started with 2 then switched to 3. Works best for me.

 

[cdekkema]

Been too lazy to buy a larger strap, #2 hasn't done me wrong, haven't tried anything else, Doesnt make sense to even try number one, I don't know why that was pictured in a book

 

[chewbacca]

I suppose I use #5. Had to think about it for a second.

 

[arborcareman]

I started at 13years old with #2, always hurt from being loose. A few years of that and figured out #4. That has been the only way for me for many years.

Number 1, what?? Makes no sense to me

 

[TJinSC]

Number 2 is the only one I've ever known (don't have a lot of experience). Thanks for the post, can't wait to try a couple of the others!

 

[flyingsquirrel25]

I started with #2, tried #4 for a couple days and went right back to #2. Its never done be wrong.

 

[allmark]

Been using # 3 for 22 years. Hasnt failed my skinny legs yet. Anything else would let it rotate around my leg.

 

[surfarmer1]

number three for me...the strap goes smoothly to the buckle.

 

[cdekkema]

Keep it in mind when you are out looking for a new pair of work boots, Look for something with a a bit of a raised heel. Helps keep the spur shank in place.