Rigging Friction Saver

KentuckySawyer

KentuckySawyer

Participating member
Location
Louisville
This is a real handy tool that we use on a regular basis. The motivating idea was for deadwood removal in large Pin Oaks (we do lots of big Pin Oaks) where the limb isn't heavy enough to come down when using natural crotch rigging. On top of that when removing deadwood throughout a large canopy it isn't practical to have just one lowering spot.

The reduced friction of the two rings allows small limbs to be lowered (and raised) be hand. Its also a compact tool that can be easily moved by the climber and eventually removed from the ground.

Mostly for light rigging, but we definitely push the limits with it since it is so easily installed. MBS is something like 16,000lbs I think. Rich H made several of these for us using a technora cordage (maybe?) from All Gear.
 

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A number of years ago I was given a yellow strap, ring on ring, FC. As a climbing FC I have always found the ring/ring less useful than other configurations so it just sat in the gear bucket. Then I did some checking and realized that it could be used for a light rigging FC. It stays in the rigging suitcase now.

Setting the FC with a throwline instead of having to climb up to the rigging point is sure nice isn't it?
 
Everyone remain seated. I have taken over the plane momentarily.

Quote "As a climbing FC I have always found the ring/ring less useful than other configurations so it just sat in the gear bucket"

What FC set up do you prefer tom? If you want to PM me then I can return the contols to the pilot of this thread.
 
Put the box cutter down and back away from the thread
grin.gif
 
i also use FS for lowering. I find it very useful cause i prefer not to natural crotch unless on removal. Then when done i hate climbing back up for my pulley or other lowering device. Its just so easy when you can remove it from the ground, and if needed set it from the ground
 
We have been using them for years. The motivation was when we had a smaller dead removal under a large live tree and we felt the riging point in the tree could not handle the 2x by pulling up a pulley with a line in it and tieing it off at the base and the union was too small for static removable fc. Good tool to have for sure.
 
i use a pulley, which sucks, for obvious reasons (if not obvious then ill tell ya, it gets tiresome to have to climb back up to get the pulley)

i have thought about switching over, but im waiting til i buy a ropeguide, then ill switch my personal fc over to light rigging duties

tom, seeing that you dont except pms ill tell ya here that i have seen what you mean about the ropeman damaging ropes, if the biner is too small diameter than it puts an awful bend radius to the rope, sorry for the hijack guys, back to your original program already in progress....
 
familytree, use the pulley on the end of a second rope tied off to the bottom of the tree. Just make sure you pull it out using the lowering line or you'll have to go back up anyway.
 
We use a 2 or 4 inch nylon strap with a 1 inch schakel. Just remember to put the screw pin in the sling eye. Drop the stub, you can recover the strap & schakel from the ground. Don't drop onto concrete or asphalt, bad news.Rope runs smooth as silk ( even the lightest limbs). Works OK on block downs too. Double thick staps only, with higher load rating.
 
[ QUOTE ]
The motivation was when we had a smaller dead removal under a large live tree and we felt the riging point in the tree could not handle the 2x by pulling up a pulley with a line in it and tieing it off at the base and the union was too small for static removable fc.

[/ QUOTE ]

Didn't you mean to say "4X"?
 
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The motivation was when we had a smaller dead removal under a large live tree and we felt the riging point in the tree could not handle the 2x by pulling up a pulley with a line in it and tieing it off at the base and the union was too small for static removable fc.

[/ QUOTE ]

Didn't you mean to say "4X"?

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Is that because the forces and a rigging block/pulley are doubled? And if the block is anchored to a rope thats running through a crotch and then anchored at the ground, the force at the crotch is doubled? So the end result being quadrupling the load on the crotch?

I hadn't realized that before. Thanks, Norm.
 
It would only be twice the load on the limb if the rigging line went from the brake up and through a block at the rigging limb and down to the load.
It goes to four times when you add another pulley below the block that's attached to the rigging limb or run the line over the limb and secure it to the tree below.

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pulling up a pulley with a line in it and tieing it off at the base

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Good catch Norm.
 

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[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The motivation was when we had a smaller dead removal under a large live tree and we felt the riging point in the tree could not handle the 2x by pulling up a pulley with a line in it and tieing it off at the base and the union was too small for static removable fc.

[/ QUOTE ]

Didn't you mean to say "4X"?

[/ QUOTE ]


Is that because the forces and a rigging block/pulley are doubled? And if the block is anchored to a rope thats running through a crotch and then anchored at the ground, the force at the crotch is doubled? So the end result being quadrupling the load on the crotch?

I hadn't realized that before. Thanks, Norm.

[/ QUOTE ]

Cory, that's what this forum is all about.

Kevin, thanks for the illustration.
One note about the illustration though, the forces are 4X only if the ropes are at 0 degrees or parallel. The further from 0 degrees, the LESS force there is. I'm sure you already know this, but I'm not sure if others do.
 
This is the one that I made and use. It has 5/8" sling rings and 5/8" 3 strand. I had our shop weld the 3/8" round stock on. There is a 1/2" DB for size comparision. I chose 3 strand cause of the durability and ease of splicing.

The Buckingham Manufacturing catalog says "For human support only" for their friction saver, but it is NOT on the web catalog. Be careful!
 

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Norm how do you attatch it to the tree? Girth hitch or just draped over the limb(I know it still would stay)?
 
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