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while the Caterpillar is constructed from flexible conduit that accomplishes the same tasks. Once the climber has isolated the desired TIP with the throwline, the climbing line is pulled up and over the TIP with the Cambium Saver or Caterpillar already on the rope. A simple slip knot keeps the leather/conduit tube from slipping down the line. Once it has reached its desired location over the top of the branch, the climber pulls the slip knot free from the ground, setting the device in place. Due to these devices' simple and rugged constructions, they can simply be pulled out with a stopper knot at the end of the climb; however, this does allow for the possibility of them tying themselves around a branch on the way down to the ground. Attaching a throwline to the end of the line with the stopper knot eliminates this possibility. 1 In the first step of installing a Friction Saver, with throwline already installed in desired TIP, pass throwline through both rings, and reattach bag on other side of small ring. 3 2 In the second step of Friction Saver installation, pull on the throwline passed through the large ring raising the Friction Saver to just beneath the desired TIP. Pulling at a slight angle will help prevent twisting and tangling. 4 Friction Saver There are a variety of devices bearing this title, with the original consisting of a heavyduty webbing strap with either steel or aluminum rings sewn in at both ends, while others may be adjustable to "choke" up on the trunk or branch, and constructed of cordage with different attachment points than rings. Many of the Friction Saver genre may be both installed and retrieved from the ground,though it certainly is not required for its use. In fact, in brushy, densely canopied trees, it may be faster In the final step of Friction Saver installation, the throwWith a quick snap, pull the small ring and throwbag over and more efficient to carry the Friction Saver the desired TIP and release the throwline immediately to line is used to pull the climbing line through the two rings. aloft, and install it in the desired TIP upon reduce the chance of entanglement. Photos on this page by Michael "House" Tain arrival,then take advantage of the reduced friction to work the tree.Though more complex to install,this device reduces will encourage the throw bag to descend rapidly.With both ends of the friction a great deal more than the Cambium Saver.The original Friction throwline now on the ground, the climber simply unties the throw bag, Saver has both a large ring and a small ring,and the small ring will not pass attaches the climbing line,and pulls it up and through both rings.Removal through the large.This unique design feature is what allows it to be installed of this device should only be done with a throwline in a controlled manand removed fairly easily from the ground with a modest amount of prac- ner to prevent any damage to the Friction Saver, and to allow room for tice.There are various ways to install a Friction Saver,but a fairly common operator error. method, once the climber has isolated the desired TIP, is to pass one end of the throwline through the large ring, and the other through the small. Buck Blocks or MagBloc A throw bag is attached to the throwline that passes through the small This device, designed and developed by Scott Prophett and Scott ring, and the excess throwline is pulled through the large ring until the Winningham, and introduced to the tree care industry previously by throw bag begins to lift the small ring of the Friction Saver. Care must Buckingham, is intended primarily for rigging applications but can be taken to use a throw bag with a large enough ring that will not pass certainly be used for climbing operations as long as the users keep the through the small ring,and also to ensure that there are no bends or twists respective MagBlocs exclusive to their climbing or rigging applicain the Friction Saver itself.A large loop has now been formed with the tions (remember, never the twain shall meet).The Buck Blocks provide throwline going over the branch and down through both rings of the users with the capability to climb out of an actual block at the TIP, Friction Saver.The small ring is pulled up to just beneath the TIP, and improving the rope's bend radius and reducing friction immensely, then snapped quickly over it, with the climber immediately releasing ten- while still being easily installed and removed from the ground through sion on the throwline.This immediate release of tension will help reduce the use of throwline, much like the two-ring Friction Saver.The rope, the likelihood of violent swings or twists entangling the Friction Saver,and once installed, runs through a rope channel across the two rotating www.arborage.com Arbor Age / May/June 2013 11