preventec47
ArboristSite Operative
I have some time to kill since I ordered and received the wrong rope for my project but I have been playing with my new Wythe More Power Puller and old
rope researching and trying different mid line loop solutions. At the full winch capacity without mechanical advantage I have irretrievably jammed two alpine butterfly
knots in my old 5/8 braided nylon rope. Realizing all knots stress ropes due to small radius turns, I started looking at some hardware solutions that would be less stressful and equally or more confidence inspiring. A home made Portawrap discussed in these forums gave me the idea... Take a look at these photos. The shackle cost $10 and is 3/4 inch in size with a 7/8" diameter pin and marked with a working load of 4 3/4 tons. The Figure 8 Descender $20 and the Caribiner $27 are both marked 50 KN. Today I will setup my test platform which is two big trees about 30 feet apart and take my winch and test the Artillery Loop, the Rosencinch knot,
bowline on a bight, and the Shackle midline loop connect as well as the Figure 8 Descender as depicted in photos. The rope used in the photos is 1/2" marine dock rope
used just for photos..
I would expect that either of these hardware options would weaken the rope less than using knots. There are some Prussik solutions on Youtube but I dont have short ropes needed to try them and dont know what size and type works best with the new rope I am getting in a week or so after returning the 300 pairs of chinese handcuffs. ( 300 feet of hollow tube Tenex Tec ) It may not be obvious but after wrapping the loop in the shackle, I took the loop tail and tied two half hitches around the main pull line. I would do the same with the Figure 8 Descender as a little extra insurance. Regarding the Figure 8 loop, I tried to wind the rope in the direction so that as
the rope is tensioned, it tightens on itself to create a lock on the rope and prevent it slipping. I am not sure if all the rope turns in the shackle will prevent slipping
so that is why I am testing and adding the extra half hitches. I have worn out a few chainsaws in my lifetime but I have never worked with taking trees down strategically
beyond yelling "TIMBER" so please excuse my amateur efforts at creativity. I would appreciate all suggestions ( and criticisms) as to how I can improve on any of these ideas.
rope researching and trying different mid line loop solutions. At the full winch capacity without mechanical advantage I have irretrievably jammed two alpine butterfly
knots in my old 5/8 braided nylon rope. Realizing all knots stress ropes due to small radius turns, I started looking at some hardware solutions that would be less stressful and equally or more confidence inspiring. A home made Portawrap discussed in these forums gave me the idea... Take a look at these photos. The shackle cost $10 and is 3/4 inch in size with a 7/8" diameter pin and marked with a working load of 4 3/4 tons. The Figure 8 Descender $20 and the Caribiner $27 are both marked 50 KN. Today I will setup my test platform which is two big trees about 30 feet apart and take my winch and test the Artillery Loop, the Rosencinch knot,
bowline on a bight, and the Shackle midline loop connect as well as the Figure 8 Descender as depicted in photos. The rope used in the photos is 1/2" marine dock rope
used just for photos..
I would expect that either of these hardware options would weaken the rope less than using knots. There are some Prussik solutions on Youtube but I dont have short ropes needed to try them and dont know what size and type works best with the new rope I am getting in a week or so after returning the 300 pairs of chinese handcuffs. ( 300 feet of hollow tube Tenex Tec ) It may not be obvious but after wrapping the loop in the shackle, I took the loop tail and tied two half hitches around the main pull line. I would do the same with the Figure 8 Descender as a little extra insurance. Regarding the Figure 8 loop, I tried to wind the rope in the direction so that as
the rope is tensioned, it tightens on itself to create a lock on the rope and prevent it slipping. I am not sure if all the rope turns in the shackle will prevent slipping
so that is why I am testing and adding the extra half hitches. I have worn out a few chainsaws in my lifetime but I have never worked with taking trees down strategically
beyond yelling "TIMBER" so please excuse my amateur efforts at creativity. I would appreciate all suggestions ( and criticisms) as to how I can improve on any of these ideas.