Marking the midpoint of climbing/rigging lines...

[rawtree]

The attached file shows the method I use to mark/find the midpoint of my lines. There is only a minor irritation as it passes through my running hitch. At times I will lose the thread on rigging lines, as it passes over the lowering device, but I have taught myself how to let it run past the device in order to prevent it from being "burned off".

I also use this method, but with a thicker and longer thread, to identify a point near each end of my climbing lines. There is a much more pronounced irritation as the running hitch passes this thread. Typically, I always tie a stopper knot when I realize there is not enough rope to reach the ground. I find it to be a great backup if I forget to insure my rope length, in the heat of the moment.

I would be very interested to hear of other ideas for marking rope lengths. I did a search of the post history and did not find any previous information on this subject. My apologies if I am mistaken...


copyright 2010 by Robert A. Weber

Note: Dear Jeff Epson, as always, what is mine, is yours.

To ALL other for-profit publications: please ask for permission first!

 

[mdvaden]

Are you using a thread, or a small line like is used for a throw bag?

Suppose someone could mark 10 or 20 foot increments too.

 

[Rocks_and_Trees]

Looks good to me, might have to try that. One of my rock ropes has a different pattern on half of the rope, or some of them have a factory marked midpoint. Dont know why they cant do this with tree rope.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Good idea!

Do you mark all of your ropes that way?

There are 'rope friendly' markers available. Using Sharpies to mark ropes has generated a lot of chatter on rock/big wall climbing forums. Some claim that the ink in Sharpies can degrade the rope some not...how do we know for sure?

 

[rawtree]

Re: Marking the midpoint of climbing/rigging lines

I was thinking about you guys that are doing the recreational climbs in the really, really big trees and can't even see the ends of your longer lines and having a midline marker would be a definite advantage. There are different marking pens that can be used on ropes but the mark always seems to fade away pretty fast. The two toned (colored) lines are good (no, cool!) but add a significant expense. One of the greatest benefits I experience is that, as I'm searching for the midpoint, I can be contemplating my next move or participating in a conversation with the crew and feel the marker without looking. I'm sure you could find good reasons for having additional markers and with different colored threads (and I'd really like you guys/gals to put some thought into that and share it here- "always devote some time to consider the absurd; some of the greatest advances are made that way!). It would be nice to have different marked lengths when you are cutting for millable lumber. You could have, say, 8.6,10.6,and 12.6 foot markers in the fall (tail) of your line that could be pulled up and used, instead of a tape measure, for quick measurements (yeah, I know, the tape is easier). The thread material I use is just simple whipping twine with some nylon component to form the melted ball. Something that can fit into a small needle and double through the rope. Static lines are more finicky, with their tighter weaved covers, and need a push with the sailmakers palm and pull with pliers. As for marking all my ropes, no. I'm still climbing with with the Sampson Blue Streak they gave the judges at the '97 ITCC in Cleveland (did they give us that or did I just pick up a hanked coil laying on the ground? No matter, I still have it). Dealers choice...

 

[Blinky]

Re: Marking the midpoint of climbing/rigging lines

Nice idea. I've been marking mine with Maxijacket, haven't tried thread yet.

 

[Raven]

Re: Marking the midpoint of climbing/rigging lines

Welcome aBoard Robert

Good idea with the yarn, it's visible and 'feelable', rope freindly (right?) and prolly passes through a hitch like a little scrap of bark.
Generally if i need to find a center point I just grab both ends and start hanking until I get to the end of the bight. But I can see the benefit of just knowing without having to work for it.

 

[Eric_E]

Re: Marking the midpoint of climbing/rigging lines

Bob,

Good to see you around again.

Eric

 

[speelyei]

Re: Marking the midpoint of climbing/rigging lines

I marked every rock climbing rope I ever had(probably 8) with a sharpie or marks-a-lot marker. A big thick band in the center about six inches long. I used those ropes to lead, guide clients, top-rope, and climbed them until they were absolutely worn out, and never saw any sign of degradation from the markers.

 

[cashmoneytreeboy]

Re: Marking the midpoint of climbing/rigging lines

i use the ground guy, the pine sap, the hand saw nick/chain saw nick. or the colored tape at the ends,, know your ropes!!!!

 

[joe]

Re: Marking the midpoint of climbing/rigging lines

The idea has been discussed on tree climber forums before. If not this one, then perhaps the old I.S.A. webboard. I personally tried using a marker. I marked my rope every 10 feet, but as you stated, the marks fade. I was offered a sample made with different colored foot long straps painted with Yale's maxijacket. The straps were made every 5 feet. So, there was 5 feet of rope, then a strap painted one foot long. The paint marks, actually a urethane coating, added friction at those points. I didn't pursue a full working version of the painted rope, but the idea still has some value to me. It isn't simply the midline mark as first stated, but the line was marked.

Joe