Friction Hitch Sticking

[rob121]

Afternoon,

 

Ive got my cs38 coming up next week and have had to order pretty much all new gear (typical it all met its 5 year mark back in september), included in my new set up was Yale fire 13mm rope.

 

Ive taken the new gear out half a dozen times now just to get used to it and get some practise in and am having a massive problem with the friction hitch sticking. Particularly once Ive started descending. This morning I descended about 4 meters (very slowly) and it totally locked up to the point I had to use the other end of the rope to get the weight off to free it up.

 

This has happened with and without a cambium saver.

 

The last rope I had was a cheap yale and I never had any issues with this, even when it was new.

 

Im using a standard 4 wrap prusik loop. The prusik is marlow 9mm.

 

Anyone offer any advice on what to try next. I was going to try a different hitch but would really like to stick with what I know.

 

Cheers

 

Rob

[woodyguy]

With the same rope different prussik cords can give totally different results.

I spliced 4 different ones recently. On the same rope, one locked up so much I couldn't move whilst others were ok. Finally found the best.

Just experiment on this rope with different prussik cords. works for me but can't advise on what will work for you.

[rob121]

Yea I had a feeling that was going to be the case. Might order some yale silver streak and see how that gets on.

 

Was going to try a hitchclimber with vt but dont think a week before my course starts is a good time to change systems.

 

Cheers

Rob

[Old Mill Tree Care]

Stick with what you know for the course then go on the knot guide and search for past threads to gain more info.

[mixedangased]

have you tried it with 3 wraps on the loop ?

[Steve Bullman]

Yes, an extra wrap will reduce it sticking a little

[rob121]

I was going to try an extra wrap but thought it would provide extra friction. Will go and try it again tomorrow and see how much difference it makes before I order some different prusiks.

 

Thanks for the replies

 

Rob

[Steve Bullman]

it will add extra friction, but it will also spread the load...thats the issue you're really having, not friction.

 

I suggest after your course experimenting with better hitches also. There really is no good reason for anyone to still be climbing on a prussik this day and age!

[colemanjessenz]

maybe try this bro , it wont bind up as much and it will feel the same as a regular prussic

Prusik - Assymetrical Swabich(Schwabisch) - Knots Guide | Arbtalk.co.uk

[craigwoolnough]

new mechanical prusik from petzl maybe?? bloody expensive mind

 

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfsrsgFB1ms[/ame]

Edited January 1, 2013 by craigwoolnough
added link