Mini portawrap

Mr_B

Mr_B

Location
So. VT
Hi all, I just got a Buckingham "mini" portawrap and wow, they weren't kidding. I'm wondering if it is worth keeping or just pay the little extra for returning it for a bigger one. The only work I do on the side, right now, is pruning so I'm sure it would be sufficient for that. But once I get myself set up for removals I have the feeling I'm going to need something beefier. The mini has a 1000 lb working load and all the other sizes have a 2000 lb limit. Does anybody have one/use one? What applications do you use it for? I chose the mini because I only need something with a 1/2" rope capacity but it's hard to take the thing seriously.

Thanks

Brendan
 
The mini is designed for 1/2" or smaller diameter ropes. The small says for up to 9/16's" ropes, but you can get a 5/8's" on it easily.
Large say's will take up to 3/4", but I've used 7/8's" on it.
Choose your weapon!
 
The mini's are great for a belay set up for srt climbing. It can be set and backed up with an eye2eye prussic, then if the climber gets into trouble, a groundie can lower him as long as the descent route is clear. If you aren't going to keep it let me know.
 
I use it as a ground anchor for floating rigging points and locking off a speedline setup using MA. Handy to have around. I think I've got the small, but the mini would work great too!
 
I use mine for in tree lowering. Neat little tool. I've used it for some big chunks as a base tie before I had a large PW. 1,000lbs is a big piece.
 
I don't use mine often but it sure does come in handy. My favorite use is blocking down a spar with no drop zone. I'll have a high block down to a large portawrap in another suitable tree that the ground worker runs and the climber will tie the bottom of the cut piece to the mini just below the cut. Then the piece can be landed horizontal with control from a two person crew.

Another use is butt tying a balanced limb so it doesn't come back at the climber. To do removals right you're going to need a couple large portawraps or similar friction devices and the mini. You just have the starter rigging kit so far. By the time you think you have enough gear some of it will need replacing.

Every time I see the mini near the bottom of the rigging box it puts a smile on my face. I think I love it. Apparently the OLDS rigging device is even better at these appplications but I don't have one. They allow the climber to assist with controlling the lowering rather than just cutting and shouting directions.
 
I've decided to return it, the device seems to be really useful for things that I won't need to be doing for a while. I'm just trying to get myself set up for basic stuff on the side. Thanks for the info everybody, and thanks for introducing me to the OLDS! Pretty cool stuff.
 
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I've been thinking about trying one out to use from the bucket, set on the tree with a small sling for lowering the stuff that is too big to handle.. and just keep it in the bucket.

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I've done it with alot of this storm damage, usually to secure the butt of a piece while I cut and chuck brush. Especially on pieces that have already separated, kind of a pita, but better than risking dropping it!
 
If you want something super small but also very strong, try a large steel rescue 8
http://www.sherrilltree.com/Professional-Gear/Figure-of-8/Rescue-8-Descender-stainless-steel-1163

Use that with a sling and a steel biner and you will be good to go. It will hold ropes larger than half-inch, and its super easy to use. One wrap or two. Take your pick. I have lowered a LOT of stuff this way.

The only drawback is that you cant let it run like you can with the portawrap. It's cheap and easy. It might be a useful solution to your problem
 
that's a good idea, I have an old 8 that NEVER gets used, and certainly will not be used for life support.. Keep that in the bucket, girthed to a loopie, and I'll rig up some sort of adjustable tether with a snap or biner... just to hold the bigger pieces til they can be handled, 2 handed.. and use the 8 as a lowering device as needed..
 
I've got a mini porty, I've used it once in 10 years. And that one time saw it melt a 1/2 inch line round the barrel. The line had to be prized off the barrel with a screwdriver.
 
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I've got a mini porty, I've used it once in 10 years. And that one time saw it melt a 1/2 inch line round the barrel. The line had to be prized off the barrel with a screwdriver.

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give ya 20 bucks for it and pay the postage?
 
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