reduces the shock load experienced by the
climber and the anchor point in the event of an
excessive "drop" into the climbing line.
A view of a Rope Guide installed at the desired TIP with
the climbing line running over the butter-smooth pulley.
Photo by Michael "House" Tain
make it easier to pull the fimblSaver off the
branch or TIP.
Rope Guide
This device, manufactured by ART, must be
carried aloft to install, but can be removed from
the ground safely and securely in a number of
ways.The Rope Guide is a camming device with
a pulley that provides the TIP for the climbing
line. Its camming action allows it to be adjusted
to a wide variety of lengths, and even cinched
up against a bare trunk where no branch attachment point exists.The Rope Guide is adjusted
to the desired length, the pulley passed through
a large ring, and the climbing line then passed
through the pulley.The chosen removal method
will dictate additional steps that may need to be
taken with this device. In addition, the Rope
Guide's pulley provides extremely smooth rope
movement with the largest reduction of friction
of many of the devices discussed here.An integrated impact-activated rip stop lanyard also
Crew/climber creativity
Although the devices discussed here are a sample of the manufactured friction management tools
available, there is certainly no reason that crews
and climbers cannot use their own creativity to
create their own unique friction management
devices;and many do just that.Tree folk wishing to
explore this option must only remember that each
component of the created device meet the strength
standards required for personal support; and realize that the hard,gritty nature of tree work requires
a measure of durability not always found in many
types of cordage and hardware.Many of the devices
mentioned previously began their journey to the
marketplace in just this fashion.Who knows, the
next one may be hanging off someone's harness
right now.
Friction management is a part of everyday life
in tree care; and once considered and measures
or devices are implemented to help manage it,
crews will find their work lives much easier —
though they still may have friction with the boss
or at home.Although some might say that the
time required to put friction management devices
in place is time wasted,the reality is that the energy and cambium saved through their use leads to
greater efficiency and healthier trees.
Michael "House"Tain is a contract climber,splicer,educator and writer associated with North AmericanTraining
Solutions www.northamericantrainingsolutions.com
and Arbor Canada Training and Education
www.arborcanada.com. He is currently located in
Lancaster, Ky., and can be reached via e-mail at
house@houseoftain.com.
Rope Guide
Photo provided by SherrillTree
www.arborage.com
Arbor Age / May/June 2013
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