Reducing Friction at Hitch

ArborCut · Jul 12, 2011

Okay I know this topic has been covered but Im looking for insights into reducing friction on my hitch cord during long descents.I noticed some minor glazing on my ocean poly hitch cord after last crane job that involved multiple 60 ft descents(red pine-single pick) and I was very mindful about not coming down too fast .I could not find any info in the archives(okay I didnt look,Im lazy) but would appreciate any fresh ideas.Thanks in advance.Curious about the hitch cord vs mechanical ascenders opinion.

lumberjackson · Jul 12, 2011

Im a fan of clipping a 'biner through the bight of my line through an 8 on descents (F8 descender-esque), SRT and DdRT, to spread out the wear and make my hitch and other descenders last. Did that make sense?

SingleJack · Jul 12, 2011

[ QUOTE ]
Im a fan of clipping a 'biner through the bight of my line through an 8 on descents (F8 descender-esque), SRT and DdRT, to spread out the wear and make my hitch and other descenders last. Did that make sense?

[/ QUOTE ]

Use to do the same thing ... worked great (old photo)

treesurfin · Jul 12, 2011

can you show us a pic of that please lumberjackson ?

lumberjackson · Jul 12, 2011

sure. sorry for my inability to describe it

In the pics, I used a steel ring instead of a fig 8. the ring seems to work better.

another

Adkpk · Jul 12, 2011

I just attach an 8 to my side D and loosen up the hitch and descend on the 8. The 8 hockles the line but it saves the hitch from heat.

pigwot · Jul 12, 2011

Monster Munter doesn't hockle the line.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ulTTrhfCvs&feature=player_embedded

cashmoneytreeboy · Jul 13, 2011

for long descents , ,i will ,use a gri gri,,its fun too pull that lever!!

oldirty · Jul 13, 2011

this kind of minor glazing? 10mm beeline.

ArborCut · Jul 13, 2011

Yikes there old dirty,thanks for replies all kind of figured the eight could help a fair bit.

treebing · Jul 13, 2011

Tried the wrench dDrt yesterday Have to experiment with hitch.. You barely need one.

treesurfin · Jul 13, 2011

Ah i see what you mean now neat idea, still i find the Unicender the best thing since sliced bread for single line work. But would be keen to try the singing tree wrench, has anyone used one on single line yet and what are your thoughts on it?

utlarb4trees · Jul 15, 2011

I like to take a bight of rope with my feet (like one does when footlocking) you can adjust the friction by locking the rope with your feet as you descend. Just a quick fix for me when I don't have other hardware handy.

RopeShield · Jul 16, 2011

For long descents I use Gri Gri, for 60 plus feet I use a Rack.
Got lucky a couple years ago and picked up a Rack at an Outdoor shop for 1/2 price.

The Rack is by far the best tool for long drops. Very very Smooth and quick and easy set up! Single or double, off the harness>over tip>back to harness or static.

Hitch cord over mechanical is a personal preference.

Most in the Rope Access Industries use mechanical.

Our rigging/lowering devices are metal, so why knot it up?

Get a rack! Good solid investment to save the wear and tear on your Uni, LJs or hitch cord.

Here is a link for http://www.bmsrescue.com/products.html

I have been using their Belay Spool now for a couple of months successfully and their Racks look top notch as well.

Give the rack a try and if you don't like it you can still use it to rig.
Hope this helps ya.