Climbing line above or below block?

[Mark Bolam]

I've never noticed how I do it.

I'm knackered when it comes to chogging and can only think about that first pint.

 

 

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[Badgerado]

Interesting discussion. I think there are sure advantages to both methods.

 

Above- eliminate the danger of block slipping and taking your primary climbing line with it. Also prevent damage to climbing line from pinching/running rope etc.

Below- Minimise risk of cutting both lanyard and primary climbing line at once.. in order to leave enough of a space between lanyard and climb line this could increase shock load due to greater distance the work will fall.

 

In the situation of intense stem shake I agree with the above comment by wooden hand. Some possible ways of reducing the likelyhood of this occurring could include leaving lower branches to dampen vibrations, letting rigging rope run or simply cutting smaller sections.

 

I have heard of respected arborists putting the climbing line just below the sling and above where the block sits. I guess if you get your sling choked up tight to the stem this will minimise the risk of the rigging slipping down. However on a smooth barked tree I for one would not be willing to take the chance.

 

In my opinion this issue is not clear cut and worthy of debate. Having read the comments above it would seem like the current industry practise in the UK is to have both above? Are there any NPTC or LANTRA assessors here that could clarify? Thanks!

 

Thanks for your reply, a very comprehensive listing of advantages and disadvantages and while I don't think either way is right or wrong we should all remember that there are variations e.g. Smooth bark as mentioned, and be mindful of the disadvantages of the chosen technique..

[Badgerado]

If i feel like doing everything "properly" I have lanyard just above the blocks whoopee sling, and a pulleysaver choked tight to the stem precisely under the whoopee sling.

That way when the blocks loaded its only the whoopee sling pinching the cambium saver, can still decent if needed whilst the riggings loaded and lanyard and life line are not at risk of getting cut at the same time

 

"Properly"? Can you clarify, you use a cambium saver when chogging off? Is it somehow chocked off to the stem? Also as mentioned above you should be aware of the rigging slipping down on smooth barked trees..

[Joe Newton]

"Properly"? Can you clarify, you use a cambium saver when chogging off? Is it somehow chocked off to the stem? Also as mentioned above you should be aware of the rigging slipping down on smooth barked trees..

 

 

A pulleysaver chokes to a tree effectively. It's a really good technique for DDRT.

 

If you set your block up well it should not slip to the extent where your main line in compromised.

[bumble B]

You could cross over your side strop which acts as a choker. and helps with stability on thin stems. I generally use a Hitchhiker so my line would be choked against the stem so no real worry about that flipping. I tie in above the rigging point because that's the way I was taught due to all the business that goes on below the block. If you are worried about the block slipping you could always cut a recess in the back of the stem.

[Badgerado]

Yeh agreed if set correctly it shouldn't slip but it's something to keep in mind, specially if your putting your line between block and sling (wouldn't have to move much) notch on the stem is usually my solution if I'm worried..

 

Rope guide then, gotcha.. Thought he was talking about a classic cambium saver (two rings)

[Badgerado]

You could cross over your side strop which acts as a choker. and helps with stability on thin stems. I generally use a Hitchhiker so my line would be choked against the stem so no real worry about that flipping. I tie in above the rigging point because that's the way I was taught due to all the business that goes on below the block. If you are worried about the block slipping you could always cut a recess in the back of the stem.

 

Good call to extra wrap on thin stems

 

Again both lines above has disadvantage of increased hazard of cutting both lines.. And if seperated too much it creates a larger shockload..

[bumble B]

Good call to extra wrap on thin stems

 

Again both lines above has disadvantage of increased hazard of cutting both lines.. And if seperated too much it creates a larger shockload..

 

I'll leave my climbing line at the last cut come down and make the gob. The climbing line is easily retrieved by pulling the tail and I now only have one back cut to put in near both lines.

[Badgerado]

I'll leave my climbing line at the last cut come down and make the gob. The climbing line is easily retrieved by pulling the tail and I now only have one back cut to put in near both lines.

 

That's good procedure for both above, I'd say the scarfs angled cut would be the one where people cut their rope, you'd need to be a naf to cut them both on a back cut aye

Thanks for sharing Bumble B

[Arran Turner]

lanyard above mainline below not died yet :-)