rookie question

[Norm_Hall]

Sean, it's the slippage on small diameter stuff. Plus, on larger diameter logs, the marline hitch can be 'set' while tying the runnin bow. I've had half hitches slide down the log while tyin the runnin bow. I have to re-set the rigging then. Don't have to tyin a marline hitch. Huge advantage for me on large wood.
I know a lot of arborists still like the half hitch. Just my choice.

 

[southsoundtree]

Thanks for the info, Norm.

 

[JeffL]

I had a hard time envisioning the marline, but figured it with a scrap of rope at home, its basically just tying an overhand knot in the rope around the piece before your bowline. Very simple!

 

[Daniel]

I like to get the block as close to the cut as possible to reduce shock loads.. Block and sling get tied first, then the notch gets cut.. Lanyard goes just below the sling, so there is no way that the block can damage the lanyard.. rope guide FS goes somewhere around the knees, again so there is no way the block can get it.

The thinking that the lanyard could get pinned and thus prevent descent or a rescue does not make much sense to me.. Worst case scenario is just a few seconds for the piece to be lowered..