ClimbMIT

Nice set up! I love my RW as well but I have had trouble with it getting in the way on the way up. It is the Zk-1. I have tried using longer and thicker hitch cord with extra wraps and braids on a VT with success. Once I start working I just kick out the Pantin, put on the RW and put my Petzl handled ascender on my harness.

Try i-photo because a time lapse is just still photos taken every few seconds according to camera settings. Also I have the GoPro Hero2. it didn't have the right date set and once I uploaded it to my Mac it put pictures on the wrong dates. Another tip for Mac is to use finder and it can show you recent downloads. Hope this helps! I know it's frustrating, very time consuming, and uses allot of storage space. You have an extra computer you can find helpful Youtube videos on the issues your having. Watch, pause try it out, etc.., Good luck and let us know how it goes

Hey Worcwuss, I have only used the Zk-1 this past year and I am glad you asked this question because I have experienced that clunky feeling as well! I played with different hitch cord brands, different lenghts, diameter, and types of splices even. Currently I use 10mm Beeline approximately 26" tied instead of spliced because I like that it grips better than spliced on a VT. IMO! Don't get me wrong I am still a just a novice just thought I would chime in! I climb on Samson Vortex now and love it with the RW! Very smooth but would love to own/try the ZK-2! Cheers!

Glad to hear positive feedback on the HH. I wish I had that Kong Futura as well seems more natural for gripping. I have Petzl rh I use on long ascents. As for as hitch cord I have been really happy with the Beeline 10mm first choice on Poison Hivy and just got Samson Vortex which I really am very impressed with. I used OP 10mm on both and that would be my second choice. Haven't tried 8mm on either hitch cord though.

Old Mill, How are you doing with your Hitch Hiker? Any improvements on tending on your ascents? I have the RW myself the ZK-1 which I love but I was thinking about a way to improve it and saw the Hitch Hiker. I haven't tried one but I like how compact it is. Seems especially nice for Frogwalking and switching over to Ddrt.

I have used a product here in the US called Purple Power I think? I know was in a purple spray bottle. Worked real good for cleaning weed eaters and lawn equipment. I use to clean spark arrestor screens, sprocket covers, bar and chain with good results. When sap is on it I use a wire brush for chains after soaking them with Purple Power. Next time I clean one of my saws I will take pics of before and after.

Ok, now I see where this thread is going. First I can start with the Rum to get the Misses ready for baby oil. slip-n-slide! yee haw! Thanks for the tips guys

How much alcohol to water would be good to use safely? Thanks for the input. actually looking forward to the next sap attack so I can try these options.

A little off topic tip. i haven't personally tried it but have witnessed it and my friend uses this method all the time. If your cleaning your saws, mechanic work or what not before you start - apply dish soap, especially Dawn to your hands while dry and don't rinse it off. When your done working just add more Dawn and rinse your hands off. presto grease comes off as well!

Great thread, I have been having some dermatitis junk on the palm of my hand that wouldn't go away until My better half got some Coca Butter ointment and finally getting better. I don't use petrol just got it from washing hands often and sweating allot I believe. As far as sap on gear I can definitely relate! I used the washing machine with hot water and liquid detergent for ropes on pine sap. For my Silky, bars, chains, metal - Purple Power degreaser, For my hands - Fast Orange w/grit, all with pretty good results. I will have to try that olive oil like Drew mentioned next time. Cheers!

Does the belay girl come with the device? If so I will take two

Nice! Happy New Year!

Thanks for the reply Old Mill! Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!

Hey guys, Slightly off topic but I would imagine this would also be a good choice when your way out on a tree shaped like a fishing pole over a roof. Ironic! Like recently I was removing a Chinese tallo that curved over a house. A bit sketchy, I had to get far enough out so I could rig the top to swing free over the house. It probably had a 50 to 60 degree lean and was around 8 inches where i was standing. Ashamed to say but I used only my lanyard considering the tree was small and there wasn't any other tree to Set a climb line above me for back up. while climbing SRT I have used half hitches with my climb line to advance small diameter wood but was a pain so I didn't take the time to be safe since I recall setting and removing the half hitches was a pain. Using slings and crabs or pulleys every 3-4 feet seems to be the safer and more efficient option in case of tree failure. Like Ian said, "spreading the load" Would anyone agree/disagree to this being a better method?

Benbound, that is impressive! I am in the Southeastern U.S. and haven't seen a cedar of that size. Our Live Oaks are most impressive here along with Magnolia's and 100-125' pines. How tall was that cedar?

Cool video, Great to see the RW in a competition!

Well that's a loaded question. Check out the Rope wrench thread and Hitch Hiker threads. There are much better friction hitches than what you using. For example: simplest for Drt is Blakes hitch and add a micro pulley which is more efficient. Then there are many popular high performances hitches such as the Vt which is super efficient but will take some time to use SAFEly. Check out the videos and your online arborist supplier. Good luck on your venture and remember low and slow until your very confident.

Ali tether like a handle that has a ascender attached to the RW. Engage for Rope walker ascent then have a way to lock it/disengage for working and descending. Anytime you need to go back up just engage the ascender. RW becomes a handled ascender as well as a friction device. One less tool on the belt!

I know VT is for Valdotain Tresse which is wraps + braids. Tresse is braids in another language. Valdotain is just wraps. Not sure about Machard?

I was just checking this out. Before I ever heard of it I had the same idea in my mind but couldn't really draw it out. I am RW fan mainly climbing SRT with the wrench. This Hitch Hiker looks to be promising. Can't wait to try one! Thumb up!

I find this difficult as well but I really like the benefits of SRT and the RW. Anybody use a fixed cheek pulley attached to your climbing line with prusik hitch placed slightly above their friction hitch, slack tending pulley, and/or RW to create a mini 2-1 system? Of course the tail of your climbing line would run through the fixed cheek pulley and back down. Something I was thinking of trying out. Thanks, Mark

How bad? Where you climbing?

Thank you for posting! I may not know you but I am grateful you are a confident enough to share this. It is so easy to make a critical mistake in our line of work. Anyway I wish you a speedy and full recovery!

Thumbs up!

Thumbs up!