Rope Wrench vs Unicender

[DSMc]

Adam, that tether looks sweet!

For those of you looking for a removable tether on the cheap, I took Lonniels' double snap idea and tweaked it a bit. Use a closable eye snap long enough that when connected and in the down position, it does not interfere with the Uni function. A four inch works great with the new ZK 2. Some minor grinding needs to be done to improve the fit. Look in your spare parts bin or go to the hardware store and find a rubber bushing to snug up the fit of the top eye. Add a small steel ring and you are good to go. It is very fast on and off.

Dave

P.S. Having trouble getting pictures to stick, so instead of losing this whole post, I will try inserting in the next post.

 

[DSMc]

See if this works.

Dave

 

[Adam_P]

Nice and simple. Wish I'd thought of that! hah

Tom I was talking about the Rock Exotica dualcender. The double cam rope grab. I'm lucky enough that Dave actually sent me his.

Rick, it's a lot rougher than it looks in that pic. I haven't sanded and buffed it or anything. The only difference I can think of is that the with of the upper part of the bar would have to be the same width as the zk1.

If you want, when I make my final dialed in tether I can make you one that will fit on your uni head stock and you can drill and taper the rest of the bar for the zk1. If you're interested shoot me a PM.

I would give Dave's setup a try too and probably will myself. There's a lot less bulk in that setup.

 

[DSMc]

One thing I think that I have not mentioned, all the stiff tethers will work much better if the block on top of the Uni is glued to the side links so they pivot as one unit. I used thin ca. Just be very careful not to get any glue on the second pivot pin or the top cam will not function properly. Locking the top block to the first pin and side links will not effect the Uni for normal use.

Dave

 

[ficus]

[ QUOTE ]
Dave,

This has been working really well for me. I really like how the Uni grabs right away and there is no binding like with a hitch. Ascents are friction free. The RW allows one handed operation of the Uni and I know it will grab everytime. Great set-up!!!



Ficus,

I prefer to take the Rope Wrench off during ascent so this is my tether, 4 inch double snap:

[/ QUOTE ]
I'm having trouble making this one work. Got a 4inch snap- it doesn't fit. Did you machine yours?
Also there is alot of slop in the system as the RW tether pivots aroung the top uni hole/link...?
Dave-Can rubber bands be used instead of glue?

 

[DSMc]

Hi, Ficus.

Remember that the 4" snap is not a rated piece of hardware so it will have varying sized openings, depending on the manufacturer. If I remember right, the snap did need some machining to fit the ZK1 because it would not fit the end bolt. On the ZK2 the snap had to be ground a bit to make it fit into the more narrow swing zone on that unit.

Keep in mind that this snap setup is primarily a quick way to attach the Rope Wrench for long or hot descents and is removed during normal tree work. When used as such, any slop is not much of a problem due to the fact that, put under load, it can't be felt.

You could try rubber tubing or bands but make sure that if they move they can not interfere with the cam on the Uni.

Good luck

Dave

 

[Marden]

Just read this old thread. Does anyone still use a Uni plus RW combo together ?

 

[DSMc]

I no longer use it. It was fun and worked fine but I much prefer the Hitch Hiker as a tree workers tool.

David

 

[rfwoodvt]

Still do. Haven't grajumatated to the HH yet. Though that may be happening sooner than I had thought.

I go back and forth between dDrt and SRT several times on any given day depending on what I'm doing and the connections between the RW and Uni get a wee bit tedious.


Even so, I still like it for what it is.

 

[Richard Mumford-yoyoman]

[ QUOTE ]
Just read this old thread. Does anyone still use a Uni plus RW combo together ?

[/ QUOTE ]

Just a drum for me. No on or off, just there when I need it.