Quick or easy buckstrap release

[PUClimber]

Hello to all. I was taking an oak partially down on Thursday that was pretty dead and spongy so I tied into an adjacent tree to work it and take it down. Well the thought kept crossing my mind on how it was gonna work if the section I was in broke out of the dead one and I was going to get stuck and have pressure on my lanyard. I always carry a pocket knife but that seemed like it'd be slow to get it out of my pocket. In a situation like this I could see it being beneficial to be able to release the lanyard quickly to escape harms way. Any ideas or suggestions? I know this is controversial with safety in mind as far as being tied in twice with no quick release mechanisms.

 

[Leon]

I haven't tried it myself, but I think load rated zip ties would work really well for this application. Use the zip ties between the D ring and lanyard adjuster. If the force exceeds the load rating of the zip ties they'll snap, automatically, as opposed to you having to do something, kind of like a breakaway saw lanyard. Some experimentation would be necessary on the ground to determine what load rating of zip tie would be appropriate.

 

[Mike_Hill]

When I've taken down trees that were really dodgy,I've taped the keeper on my lanyard open.Of course I have been tied into a tree behind and above me and as long as I was aware of the open ''link'' it worked for me.Might have even saved my life when once a tree collapsed under me when I topped it out.

 

[tod_k]

Remove the stopper knots out of your lanyard.

 

[Colin]

This is a very controversial topic. Sure it's easy to come up with something that will break away, but how do you arrive at a safe breaking load? I mean, sure you can guesstimate but I guarantee you won't see anyone marketing a breakaway lanyard anytime soon because of the liability.

The zip ties sound good, Leon. Or a piece of throwline...

 

[House]

On some really scary removels with adjacent tree tie-ins I've hooked in my breakaway chainsaw lynard with a 250lbs limit.

 

[NickfromWI]

I keep a snap-shackle available for such needs.

There are several intense thread here. Search around- there is a lot of information on the topic.

love
nick

 

[extremetree]

Old topic,
Leon I have experminted with key chain carabiner breaking strengths and they are stouter than what I imagined some over 250lbs.. The zip ties IMO is a better alternative breakaway safety.

 

[fastlil1]

Did you ever figure out where abouts the breaking stregth was of those key chain carabiners?? I always wondered that.

 

[Norm_Hall]

Tie one end of your lanyard off using a 'slip hitch'. If there is any doubt, just pull on the running end. I've done it on several occasions. It works.

 

[Colin]

If you're quick and can keep you wits about, it'll work!

 

[CrossCut]

I know i am new here but I have seen an idea in the sherrill catalogue that might not seem so rigged. The catalogue shows it being used on a removal where the spar peals pulling the climber into the spar. I think it would probably work in this scenario too as long as you have another tie off. Part # 26224 http://www.wtsherrill.com/home.asp?idAtype=work

Maybe?

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Break away lanyards have been discussed before. This is an important tool to know about for very specific situations.

The main thing that I've taken away from the discussions is to design the system so that the end of the lanyard that breaks away does not have an attachment piece or knot. It is going to be bad enough having a rope end whipping around, having a connector or knot on the end could lead to another injury.

All that I have ever expected from a break away is a bit of balance or limited support. There is never an expectation of this being a primary support so a very light break away load is necessary.

It would be easy to do some rough garage-type engineering on the breaking strength using some jugs of water or weighed logs and a game scale or calculations using rigging tools.