Help with friction knot

[SJH]

Hi this is my first thread so be nice guys:001_smile:

I am looking for some advice as to which knot you use on your climbing system, I am using a Distel with a micro pulley but as I'm off all week I thought I would try something different so I have been using a Valdotain tresse, my problem is that I cant seem to get on with it, I mean it is easy to pull the excess rope though and descends very smoothly but every now and again it just wont grip, not sure if the tails are too long? dont know what to use now. Help and advive welcome:001_smile:

 

Thanks

[Peter]

I'm on a VT, mostly because it sounds cool.

 

It is very sensitive to minor adjustments. The number of wraps and braids makes a big difference, as does the type and diameter of cord.

 

Fine tuning is done on the length of the tails, too long and there is too much sit back and not enough grab. Too short and it sticks.

 

I tend to set mine up so it self tends and never sticks, but i have to set it by hand, i dont rely on it grabbing on its own. This can backfire occasionally.

[jeepster]

the problem i fine with the VT. is that it puts a twist on my rope. i know it doesn't do this with all ropes but its a really bugger when you get it the bottom of your line. i'm on a icicle hitch. and a Distel.

[Steve Bullman]

what peter said. shorten the legs. best to have it slightly sticky at first. once you get use to the knot you may decide to sacrifice a little bit of that security and run it slightly looser.....not that anyone would recommend that!!

[Tom D]

Been trying the vt lately, its beautiful when working correctly but it does have its moments.

Hitches I've tried:

 

 

VT: like a Ferrari; when its going well nothing can touch it, but it is a bit tempramental.

 

Martin: Very reliable yet does'nt stick, can be tied on VERY short legs and still perform.

 

Icicle: Too grippy for me.

 

Blakes: Hard work.

 

Prussik: Like blakes but worse.

 

I have also tried the TK and Knut but not enough to pass judgement, they were both better than the blakes and prusik but not as good as a martin.

[SJH]

Cheers guys,

 

Peter I have retied the knot and made the legs shorter like you and Steve mentioned, it does seem better, a bit tighter to pull but grips a lot better, think I may be fine tunning this one

 

Jeepster I 've also found that the vt also twists my rope I use 13mm new England Ultra vee with 8mm Bee line. I might have to keep trying a few more to find one that suits me.

 

Tom your right when its working well it is a great knot, not tried some of the others you have mentioned, I'll look them up. tried the Martin though that is another good knot.

 

All the best.

[Bob Rolfe]

Im on a klemheist. i have been fro the last few years now i find it easy to set up and if it sticks a little its very easy to loosen with just your thumb

 

http://www.animatedknots.com/klemheist/index.php

 

you could try here for a few ideas. i think everybody goes through different knots, ropes, through out there climbing life and its good to look at other peoples setup. i do it all the time you know "what rope you one mate ?" "nice harness what is it, how do you find it" blah de blah "rope" blah de blah "knots" and i think you settle down for a while on a specific system till you get bored and the grass seems better with a different one or you go on a course and some other new system is developed. change isn't always good but at least you lean that youve got the best system for yourself

 

good luck

[SJH]

Thanks for the link Bob lots to look at:001_smile: and try:001_smile:

[Joe]

the problem i fine with the VT. is that it puts a twist on my rope. i know it doesn't do this with all ropes but its a really bugger when you get it the bottom of your line. i'm on a icicle hitch. and a Distel.

 

have you ever tried the kerswell knot?

[Sciadopitys]

Dirk Lingens (not 100% spelling is correct) has a good book of friction hitches and other knots used in tree work. Only bout 12 quid, worth a gander matey!