Ropejack Handle

lumberjackson · Oct 24, 2020

Yesterday I was using my ropejack in a tree, and I bent the handle in half from pulling too hard and/or at a bad angle... It looks like the cams just bolt on to the handle, but I haven't found anywhere that just sells replacement handles. Does anybody know if replacement handles are available? @SingleJack ?

Jonny · Oct 24, 2020

Try contacting CMI directly?

SingleJack · Oct 25, 2020

CMI Corporation
338 Mill Road
PO Box 535
Franklin, WV 26807

Phone: 304-358-7041

27RMT0N · Oct 25, 2020

Well that's not very confidence inspiring... I'd be curious to see a photo if you have one.

Jehinten · Oct 25, 2020

27RMT0N said:
Well that's not very confidence inspiring... I'd be curious to see a photo if you have one.

If I remember correctly its designed to do just that on an overload. Its better to bend a handle than to break a cam or shred a rope.

The handle on mine has a slight bend, but still works as normal.

27RMT0N · Oct 25, 2020

I guess that is the 'least bad option', yah. That way the load doesn't let go. I do a TON of tree pulling with the Maasdam rope puller (which has it's own pros/cons compared to a rope jack), and from my experience if you overload it, the rope just slips an inch or so. In the way I use it, that just means wedge more or cut the hinge thinner, then the tool is still setup and ready to go.

Chaplain242 · Oct 25, 2020

Can’t fit a cheater bar?

southsoundtree · Oct 25, 2020

27RMT0N said:
I guess that is the 'least bad option', yah. That way the load doesn't let go. I do a TON of tree pulling with the Maasdam rope puller (which has it's own pros/cons compared to a rope jack), and from my experience if you overload it, the rope just slips an inch or so. In the way I use it, that just means wedge more or cut the hinge thinner, then the tool is still setup and ready to go.

You can also use blocker knots on the standing end, and BE SURE the pawls are set properly on the Rope-puller.

lumberjackson · Oct 26, 2020

27RMT0N said:
Well that's not very confidence inspiring... I'd be curious to see a photo if you have one.

I was pulling two leaders together to install a cable and was set up with my feet against the trunk and yarding on the rope jack with everything I had. It's rated for one person pulling with one hand - I was definitely pulling with way more force than it was designed for. Like jehinten pointed out, it is the least bad option when abusing a tool and I am more than happy to buy a new one - it is so useful, just needs to be used how it was intended to be used. I used to have a maasdam puller, but the midline attachability and compactness of the ropejack far outweigh the more limited force for my work.

Thanks JB! I'll give them a call.

27RMT0N · Oct 27, 2020

Thanks for the info and story, that all makes sense. And I see how getting a bit off-axis while applying that much force would cause it to bend exactly at that spot.

I'll probably buy one for myself in the near future

flushcut · Oct 27, 2020

Looks like an off angle pull to me.

metaspencer · Oct 27, 2020

Anyone else built their own version of a rope jack? I'm putting one together and hope to avoid that weak handle issue

Jehinten · Oct 27, 2020

metaspencer said:
Anyone else built their own version of a rope jack? I'm putting one together and hope to avoid that weak handle issue

I considered it at one time, but I've never regretted buying the commercially available one. It does sit sometimes for a few months at a time as I will use my mini to pull when I can, but when needed, its an extremely valuable tool.

Jonny · Oct 27, 2020

metaspencer said:
Anyone else built their own version of a rope jack? I'm putting one together and hope to avoid that weak handle issue

Yes, and now I’m worried I’m gonna shred a rope jacket with it. It’s kinda ugly but works well, I’ll get a pic for ya within a few days. Just a chunk of aluminum bar and an old pair of Petzl hand ascenders.
Maybe I’ll go screw around with a scrap of retired 16 strand or double braid and see what happens if I really lean into it.

metaspencer · Oct 27, 2020

Jonny said:
Yes, and now I’m worried I’m gonna shred a rope jacket with it. It’s kinda ugly but works well, I’ll get a pic for ya within a few days. Just a chunk of aluminum bar and an old pair of Petzl hand ascenders.
Maybe I’ll go screw around with a scrap of retired 16 strand or double braid and see what happens if I really lean into it.

would love to see it! the only DIY version ive seen had a wood handle

lumberjackson · Nov 6, 2020

Update: the folks at CMI were very helpful. I told them how I broke it and they just had me send it in and they put a new handle on it for me! Very impressed with CMI's products and customer service.

oldoakman · Nov 6, 2020

I sent them a foot ascender last year in mid December to have them replace the straps. It was one of the first ones they made and had regular nylon straps that were really chewed up by the adjustment clamps. They switched them out and didnt charge me even though I was more than willing to pay for the replacement. Turn around time was about a week. Great service.