Mr Fir

Seeing your pic of the narrow rope bite there and comparing to my blue tongue (bought 2014, used with ZZ2), that looks different. I would suggest contacting your supplier, see what they make of it - may be a newer, upgraded version?

Thanks Paddy, really helpful even when not the answer I was hoping for I'll get on the case and then take it to somebody to check and sign off. For others in the same boat check out; Contact Us – Tree Research Education and Environmental Service Ltd TREESLIMITED.CO.UK

Hello, It has been a while (4 years) my ropes and harness have been in storage while away around the world. Now back and keen to climb again...but can I use this equipment? I'm looking for a clause of sorts for stored, older kit. I know the history and use of my newer kit (2 years use max) and wouldn't hesitate to use them. However I believe my insurance is tied up with LOLER regs and that wouldn't normally cover them, being 6 years old. Also looking for a reminder/ corrections on my very cobweb memory; ropes and harness 3 years, krabs 5 years. Rigging kit longer? Any thoughts? Anybody around Edinburgh or the central belt up to the task? Cheers, Fir

Used stiki grip gloves in the past, on pfanner fine grip ones now. Tend to use them more in cold conditions or on narrow ropes, easier on the tendons

How do you find piano wire for poking between cover strands esp. on exit? Rigidity of the welding wire seems handy for that

Oh well went with online guides and vids and happy with results. Few pics... First splice on practice piece (top) of XTC fire then on main line. Broke a few wire fids, tight final bury as half expected. Cut up the Yale Blue Tongue splice into a few bits to show how cover is in core, for those who haven't done it. Nice sharp chisel did the trick. First double braid, 24 strand on the same rope. My mate says he'll take a few to uni when he goes back and break them and tell me what force it took, hope it holds till then... Thanks to contributors on the splicing forum, lots learned from ya'll

Got it sorted. Made up a fid from 1mm welding wire, didn't put a twist in it so slid straight through. Think the previous one broke because of the amount of hammer action. Very sore hands and a couple of splices later

Cheers, I looked at them earlier...will order one and make do with another welding wire from the smiddy for tomorrow. To look over instructions for 24 strand poison ivy, hope I can use nods fid for it

What fid is the best for 16 strand? Today I have broken 6x 0.9mm clarke welding wire and a 1.5mm from the local smiddy (it survived one splice). It is year old xtc fire, understand it can be tricky but a solid wire fid should do it no?! Whipping the practice one now...

Is there anyone around Inverness who'd be up for teaching a newbie? I could learn from guides etc but think it'd be better to learn from another climber. I had Jamie in Edinburgh do a couple NE hi vee eyes for me a few years ago, excellent splices thank you. A bit far away now though... I'm needing to splice a couple of ropes soon, been looking over the forums for kit list. XTC fire seems a good one to start on, tail end would be easier I guess? Also have a new Yale blue tongue which I rolled a top handle over near my anchor point not long ago Any guides around for 24 strand kern mantle? Thanks in advance...

Thanks for the offer Ty, i'll get in touch when I know i'm heading over then. First arborist I worked with was an englishman near Guemene-sur-Scorff. Where abouts are you? Plenty work on?

I'm looking to move to Angers, Maine et Loire, next year and find employment - not interested in running a business again! My partner is French so I have learned the language over several years (though still need to learn more). I've a couple years experience since an ND at college, suite of NPTCs and extras. So i'm wondering what are the essentials (i'll speak to la mairie too)? Training certs carry over or likely required to do theirs? Know of any decent national companies or ones to avoid? Sounds a bit tricky but i'm sure the rewards will be worth it

Yes, since being a student a few years ago. Magazine is decent and events (though far between in Scotland) have been good too. AGM was in Dundee last year, this years is at Dawyck botanic gardens at the end of the month. Have been to Mattheck, bs3998, keith sacres planting and a couple of others in Scotland since being a member

The Arb Association have taken over publishing of that series. Find and buy at Research for Amenity Trees Series