Lowering line vs. Tag line

[KYAPLE]

Yes sir! Any chance I know you jed1124?

 

[Daniel]

thought a rope only became a line when it was put to use... thus the distinction between rigging rope and rigging line... not to split hairs.. and dial in the language is a good step to dialing in work practices...

 

[1adkarborist]

So true Daniel! check out the terminology on the cordage institutes web sitehttp://www.ropecord.com/new/terminology.php
I remember Shigo used to say something like, we all have to be talking about the same thing to have a logical discussion

 

[KevinS]

StihlMadd, what's the difference between these ropes? It sounds like you use older rigging lines for tag lines, but the others...? Are the pulling ropes new ropes only used for pulling? If so, why not use a rigging line to pull or a pulling line to rig, since they're also new and obviously in good shape?
Not questioning your system (I like it!), just trying to learn something.

Why the separation between rigging and pulling?

 

[KevinS]

Damaged ropes are dealt with just as you say, shortened, or taken out of service. Identifying ropes based on history allows me to preserve the best ropes for the critical jobs. So my one tape ropes never get used for something with low risk to the climber or property, but a high probability of rope damage, such as tipping out chunks. You are right, Tom, it is impossible to know how much strength is left in any rope after it is used. perhaps the best system is to simply identify rigging lines (using Tom's "good or bad" criteria) and tag lines (light duty lines) using color coded rope bags or taped ends (and have a way to identify climbing lines). if the rope is too gnarly to be a tag line, cut it into smaller pieces to avoid the temptation! In retrospect, I think my system was based on the old days when there were not as many rope options available. We would commonly retire a climbing line into rigging, but today's ropes (climbing and rigging) have very specific uses. A rope that is designed for srt is not necessarily the best rope for rigging. Why is it that I have the urge to buy more gear right now?

I agree when I started guys were using retired climbing linea and eye to eyes to rig because they were to worn to climb on. This blew my mind I know for a fact my lazy butt hanging on a system is nothing compared to the blocks I rock into a rigging system. Even gently a 500 lbs piece is not out of the realm of real and that's 2 1/2 of me. Crazy to be so oblivious.

 

[KevinS]

I use the term tag line to refer to a line used to help pull a piece that is being lowered in order to avoid a target. I consider a rope to pull a tree over a pull rope not a tag line or lowering line and I make sure that the rope is not compromised.


Basically the only time I use a retired lowering line I when there is very little load being applied(ie. Tag lining a limb or piece of wood to get it to land somewhere) and if there are no consequences to the rope breaking.

If the rope has that low of a threshold it wouldn't be anywhere near my truck. To risky only use this if under this and be gentle and.... There's then a chance someone could use it in the wrong spot. To risky for me but I train a lot of new and unseasoned workers as well

 

[jed1124]

Yes sir! Any chance I know you jed1124?

After the October snowstorm you guys were down in ct working with us. I was working with Acorn at the time. How ya been? I forget the names of the two climbers that were working with you guys at the time. Good group of guys.

 

[LandonPainter]

I use 3 strand rigging line specifically as a tag or pull line. It's cheap, and can take a beating. Also it looks like boat rope, so it never gets mixed up with my lowering lines. Now everyone I work with calls it the boat rope!