retracting reels

[ymg]

Not very complicated, simply clipped the Key Bak in place of bungee.

 

[Ronhayden]

Has anyone used these? Made by key-bac https://www.boomerangtool.com/colle...e-hunting-gear-tethers?variant=28170428383325

 

[Merle Nelson]

I haven't used these exact units. Have used other key back type units on my three topping wedges and hatchet to drive them. The one for hatchet is just strong enough to barely return 16 oz or what have you but has a ball snap to lock it off so won't pay out again.

Pictured application won't provide ebough force at 18 oz plus I suspect.

 

[JTree]

Sorry for resurrect such an old thread, but I'm wondering, how are these reels holding up longevity-wise?

 

[southsoundtree]

the harken and the OG pantin.

Are these still your favorites, @treebing ?

 

[treebing]

Sorry for resurrect such an old thread, but I'm wondering, how are these reels holding up longevity-wise?

I bought a bunch of them. I've screwed up a few. They jacked th price of them up. If you don't swap out the original metal the eye breaks off. Kite string works well. Some of the ones that I made get derailed. And thats a pain but can be re put together. The one I have running now has put in some miles. Its a finicky route to go but very nice when running well. Not seeing a route to do it commercially for the time being based on the price.

 

[Brocky]

You have to buy in quantity to get a lower shipping rate per unit. The kite string’s cover can be relaxed to help with the derailing. I made some for sale awhile back, only sold a few, but don’t know how the owners like them.

 

[treebing]

I modified the hole a little bit to more the center and that helped as well. The kite string length is shorter than the metal string as well.

 

[JTree]

I bought one of the key-bak reels to play around with, and so far it's the bees knees. Pulls a croll up the line really well, but I just don't know how long I can expect it to last. Amazon has a good deal going on 'em. I might pick up a couple more.

 

[JeffGu]

I might pick up a couple more.

I think that might be the key to it, right there. Buy a couple extra ones for backup. I've had a lot of their products, over the years, and they vary in quality and longevity.

A couple days ago, I ordered a couple of their newer tool tether type ones, and about a half dozen cheaper knockoffs (for things like mini-wedges) to try out. The best one I currently have is a very old (mid 1980s) stainless steel Key-Bak one that I've rebuilt a couple of times. They don't make it anymore, though. New ones are plastic or carbon fiber or something. We'll see.

 

[wyatt spruck]

Sorry for resurrect such an old thread, but I'm wondering, how are these reels holding up longevity-wise?

I made mine January of 2018 and it has very little wear, still operates really well. I also bought one with a PVC/rubber coated and metal core lanyard/string - the material, I thought, would be more abrasion resistant, compared to some of the rope/fiber Keyback lanyards. The reel I purchased was 40-45$ on Amazon (kinda pricey) and I'd say it's paid itself off. It's got strong retraction (35lbs IIRC), it's definitely passed the test in terms of experimental clandestine ascension tools, imo.

Edit: reference link of the retractable reel/ascender

retracting reels

http://www.petsupplies4less.com/search.html?keyword=Retractable+bracket+mount+cable+tie+out I've got one of these coming for other uses. I'll let you know if stronger/heartier/ etc. Total bust. Too heavy, too bulky, no strong return spring.

www.treebuzz.com

 

[ymg]

Sorry for resurrect such an old thread, but I'm wondering, how are these reels holding up longevity-wise?

My Keyback still rock and show no signs of wear so far.

Bear in mind that I don't climb professionnally thus would qualify my usage as light.

Still prefers it to the bungee cord by a tall margin.

ymg

 

[Jonny]

Glad this got bumped, I hadn’t read it before.

Got a few of these left behind by the previous occupant of my cabinet at the plant. The spring seems strong and I’ve never seen Starrett make anything but excellent quality tools and instruments.
There’s a few millwrights here that carry these with about a pound of keys and a 6” crescent wrench on it.

Should lift a knee ascender nicely, I’ll see.

 

[Notforrobots]

These hold up to abuse pretty well and have a pretty heavy pull