Friction Hitches & Prusiks Reviewed
Hi Jack,
To begin, one must realize that there are many different variations of friction hitches found on arborists ropes throughout the world. And ontop of these, I'm sure that there are many common names associated with the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) recognized names. However, the most commonly used knots (at least in my area) are known as:
the Tautline Hitch
the Blake's Hitch
the Schwabish Prusik
the Distal Prusik
The first two are a variation of what you must be using. They are both tied to the climbing line with the remaining tail of rope after the end-line knot (or by using a 'split tail' of the same rope diameter). The greater the distance between the snap and where you tie the friction hitch, the farther you will be able to slide the knot as ascending. However, the greater the distance can lead to some awkwardness when moving around the tree; unless you have arms like a monkey!
* The first is completed by making 2 complete turns around the climbing line; continuing in the same direction, make 2 more turns over the first 2; dress and set the hitch so that it grips the climbing line without slipping. In the remaining tail, tie a figure-8 stopper knot in the hitch to prevent your knot from slipping. Think safety first!
* The Blake's Hitch is completed by making 3 complete turns, upwards, around the climbing line; pass the front of the 'bridge' behind the climbing line and up through the first turn; set and dress the hitch and tie a figure-8 knot the same as in the Tautline.
The two prusiks are done through the use of 12" eye-to-eye prusik rope. These two prusiks are tied to the climber's line and then hooked to the D-rings on the climber's saddle with a carabiener.
* The Shwabisch is completed by making one complete turn down the climber's rope (leaving the eye only a few inches from the wrap); carry the remaining rope above the wrap and complete 3 turns downward. The eye tails should come out in the same direction and side-by-side. If the eyes are facing in opposite directions, you have tied the Distal Prusik. Dress the Prusik so that the eyes are aligned and the knot is relatively snug against the climber's line. Hook your carabiener through the eyes and then to your D-ring. I always use the Shwabisch when I'm up in the tree, but to ease advancing the knot, I hook a micro-pulley onto my climber's line, just below the prusik. This allows me to pull up on the slack end of the line and the pully pushes the knot upward.
Knots are a personal choice; for in the end, you are the one hanging from them. If you choose the wrong one, you could end up sliding downward.....................
I hope that you will find this information useful and not to confusing. I understand that it is easy for me to explain this when I can visualize what I am typing. If you want to learn more, an excellent book to add to your library is "The Tree Climber's Companion" written by Jeff Jepson. It is a relatively cost efficient field reference and training manual for tree climbers.
Keep climbing, but keep it safe.
Shane Freeman
