Blakes on split tail?

[sean fg]

Forgive me if this is a numbnut question (im just a beginner climber)

But upon seeing videos on youtube of climbers seting up ther blakes hitch uesing just the main climbing line (no spilt tail)

 

My question is, is this a safe method?

Thanks guys...

Heres a video of what i mean [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofV6BGi4AJA]YouTube - Tie the Blake's Hitch[/ame]

[ecolojim]

basic 3 knot climbing system

 

nothing unsafe. important basic technique should you drop everything else or lose it

[geoff]

Thats fine,the old way of climbing,you can use both ends of your climbing rope with that tecnique too,so you can effectively climb with just one length of rope,working end over end as you go up.

The only thing is you are meant to be tied in twice when working,leaving you with no escape line set up in case you have to get out quick.

[18 stoner]

As Jim says, basic stuff but IMO if you never use the three knot system in your workplace you ought to practice it from time to time so you dont forget it totally.

 

Similar to rescue practice, many never do it but you should, as one day you may need it in an emergency.

[Steve Bullman]

if you climb with a bowline rather than a spliced eye, this way is probably safer if anything as the bowine is secure without the need for a backup.

 

downsides

slower to change over

wears your main line down rather than wearing down a seperate split tail that can be binned.

Edited November 25, 2010 by Steve Bullman
dyslexia kicked in for a second

[sean fg]

Great thanks for the info guys:thumbup:

[chainsawdom]

you should learn tieing the three knot system when doing your cs 38

[Tommy_B]

Its also worth noting that you have to re-tie the blakes every time you throw the line higher and can be a bit of a pain if you are doing it a lot.

[Rupe]

And a clove hitch at the harness is better (easier) than the bowline.

[armchairarborist]

Its also worth noting that you have to re-tie the blakes every time you throw the line higher and can be a bit of a pain if you are doing it a lot.

 

am i doing something wrong then as i only re-tie as it comes out of the bag (if i undid it lasttime)