Burnt flip line

Arizona Kenn · 28th February 2008, 06:17 PM

As some of you know, my house burnt down. My question is would you trust any of your gear if it was exposed to tremendous heat, (or any other weirdness) say 800- 1,000 F. My 5/8th yale flip line has some scotching on the outside, but I'm guessing the inner core is OK? I don't know. I got some palms to trim and need to get my gear together, just wondering if I should trust it.

playfordtree · 28th February 2008, 06:31 PM

Sorry to hear about your fire ken, i think a house fire would be everyones worst nightmare, the loss of your sentimental things (photos etc...) would be devastating.

You should probably ditch the flipline, i wouldn't use it.

You can easily make a new one cheaply enough.

All the best with your recovery from the fire
regards Simon.

TreeDimensional · 28th February 2008, 06:46 PM

Cut it up in little chunks and throw it out. Your on the come-back trail, its not worth risking injury or life over a rope. When it doubt throw it out!

TREEMONKEY · 28th February 2008, 07:08 PM

Get rid of that lanyard i would throw away anything that seen that heat karabiners and lanyard. the inner core of your lanyard could have a lower melting point then the sheath climbing is not the time to find out.

newguy18 · 28th February 2008, 08:29 PM

Chuck it,the rope has been weakend and the steel cable has lost its temper.in a tree is not the place to have and oops.

Ekka · 28th February 2008, 09:23 PM

I wouldn't trust anything that's been through heat like that, not worth it.

You can improvise with some prussik style flip lines made from rope etc. When you really dumb it down rope is the answer to all, you could climb without biners even.

quercus · 28th February 2008, 10:00 PM

Discard EVERYTHING that has been exposed to the heat. Not worth risking your life for.
Do you really wanna ask yourself every five minutes: "Will it hold?"

And like Ekka said...

A perfect safe climb can be performed with only rope and a harness. Everything from biners to clips and lanyards, rope clamps, absolutely everything is just luxury and is expendable. I teach my students these techniques to improvise when in the event of losing gear when up in the tree. A few HOW to's for these techs....The biners in the pics could be replaced by a bowline knot.

Arizona Kenn · 29th February 2008, 06:12 AM

New Guy, you said the flip line has lost it's temper (I've lost my temper

) ok, so I'll use it as a dog leash, I'm not wanting to be foolish, just practical, everything has acceptable levels of wear and tear. What about my Bashlin aluminum climbers, toss them? (sob and cry)... I think I'll have a beer now

newguy18 · 29th February 2008, 06:38 AM

The problem with aluminum is it has extremly low heat resistance,you might hit a knot in a tree and crack or break the point off or maybe bend the shank,yes sob and cry and chuck them,i don't want to here about you getting hurt if they were steel it might be differnt but because they're aluminum and have been exposed to an estimated 1,000 degrees farinheit throw them out.i know probably not what you wanted to hear but remeber oops is a famous last word.If need be until you get gaffs use 2 pieces of rope knoted togther tied with a girth hitch around the trunk and do spurless removals.its safer then using compromised gear.

JayD · 29th February 2008, 11:47 PM

hi Ken,
I'm sorry to hear of your house fire, With your aluminium climbers have them tested by the manufacture before you discard them, My experience with aluiminium when exposed to a heat that will damage them there's no mistaking the damage they simply collapse to a blob like form.Have them tested first before you throw them it might save you buying new ones.Think about it they can weld al, To weld al you have to melt the alloy to get fusion and it still has it's structual integrity. Just have them professionally inspected first.

quercus · 2nd March 2008, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arizona Kenn

New Guy, you said the flip line has lost it's temper (I've lost my temper

) ok, so I'll use it as a dog leash, I'm not wanting to be foolish, just practical, everything has acceptable levels of wear and tear. What about my Bashlin aluminum climbers, toss them? (sob and cry)... I think I'll have a beer now

Aluminum gaffs are not PPE, mate. What Jay says is true. Damage wil often show itself in the form of deformation or melted parts. What I'm saying is that life itself does not depend on wether they fail or not. It speaks for itself that straps and buckles that have melted must be replaced. The first time you use them, give them a pounding the first few meters. In case of a massive failure, it won't be so bad then.
I'd make sure that you can get down on a long climbing line every time when you use them though. Climbing down on 1 spur can be a bitch sometimes....

newguy18 · 2nd March 2008, 12:08 PM

I just don't trust alminum enough to begin with but after extreme heat like that,no way i'd use them but if you feel like you can get by after having them tested go for it just be safe while doing it.

Arizona Kenn · 6th March 2008, 03:07 PM

just to let you all know the status on my gear. I'm getting a new traverse saddle from Wesspur, replace the spurs and climb a stump to see how everything checks out. I might look like a crazy man but I plan to see if I can break anything while I'm as close to the ground as possible. An interesting footnote; my 192 was damaged so bad the handle was melted off. However, the engine didn't freeze and fuel lines are still intact. A new case from eBay, little tune up and I'll have a nice back-up saw. I don't think the same fate holds true for the 360 though.

Arizona Kenn · 6th March 2008, 03:11 PM

Quercus , thanks for the picts and advice.

George Hayduke · 6th March 2008, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newguy18

I just don't trust alminum enough to begin with

What??? Have you ever been in a plane? Look at the wheels on your truck/car. Look under the cylinder heads and you're likelly to find an aluminum block. Grab hold of the barley pop and study the can. Aluminum has an incredible history of working in tough conditions.

I think that your fear of aluminum is unfounded.

newguy18 · 7th March 2008, 05:03 PM

nope never been in a plane,the only vehicle to my name is from 1960,the only thing i have that is aluminum is pop cans.I'll stick with steel biners but to each his own.

Therrin · 8th March 2008, 12:34 AM

Well I read the first couple posts, then skipped ahead.

I'm pretty much thinking that if our "Lowe's equipment purchasing guru" says that its trash, and to throw it out, then its REALLY unsafe to use!!

28th February 2008, 06:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
Arizona Kenn Gettin' motoring Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: arizona Posts: 26	Burnt flip line As some of you know, my house burnt down. My question is would you trust any of your gear if it was exposed to tremendous heat, (or any other weirdness) say 800- 1,000 F. My 5/8th yale flip line has some scotching on the outside, but I'm guessing the inner core is OK? I don't know. I got some palms to trim and need to get my gear together, just wondering if I should trust it.

28th February 2008, 06:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
playfordtree Afterburner is shakin' Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Adelaide Australia Posts: 340	Re: Burnt flip line Sorry to hear about your fire ken, i think a house fire would be everyones worst nightmare, the loss of your sentimental things (photos etc...) would be devastating. You should probably ditch the flipline, i wouldn't use it. You can easily make a new one cheaply enough. All the best with your recovery from the fire regards Simon. __________________ I Drink Therefore I am.

28th February 2008, 06:46 PM	#3 (permalink)
TreeDimensional Afterburner is shakin' Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 381	Re: Burnt flip line Cut it up in little chunks and throw it out. Your on the come-back trail, its not worth risking injury or life over a rope. When it doubt throw it out! __________________ West Central Saskatchewan ISA Certified Arborist

28th February 2008, 07:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
TREEMONKEY Cruisin' Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: ONTARIO, CANADA Posts: 84	Re: Burnt flip line Get rid of that lanyard i would throw away anything that seen that heat karabiners and lanyard. the inner core of your lanyard could have a lower melting point then the sheath climbing is not the time to find out. __________________

28th February 2008, 08:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
newguy18 Tree World Icon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Live Oak Florida home of the crapiest trees you will ever see. Posts: 2,196	Re: Burnt flip line Chuck it,the rope has been weakend and the steel cable has lost its temper.in a tree is not the place to have and oops. __________________ Have your say join us today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzkd_m4ivmc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzfzb...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-OqK...eature=related

28th February 2008, 09:23 PM	#6 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 5,673	Re: Burnt flip line I wouldn't trust anything that's been through heat like that, not worth it. You can improvise with some prussik style flip lines made from rope etc. When you really dumb it down rope is the answer to all, you could climb without biners even. __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

29th February 2008, 06:12 AM	#8 (permalink)
Arizona Kenn Gettin' motoring Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: arizona Posts: 26	Re: Burnt flip line New Guy, you said the flip line has lost it's temper (I've lost my temper ) ok, so I'll use it as a dog leash, I'm not wanting to be foolish, just practical, everything has acceptable levels of wear and tear. What about my Bashlin aluminum climbers, toss them? (sob and cry)... I think I'll have a beer now

29th February 2008, 06:38 AM	#9 (permalink)
newguy18 Tree World Icon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Live Oak Florida home of the crapiest trees you will ever see. Posts: 2,196	Re: Burnt flip line The problem with aluminum is it has extremly low heat resistance,you might hit a knot in a tree and crack or break the point off or maybe bend the shank,yes sob and cry and chuck them,i don't want to here about you getting hurt if they were steel it might be differnt but because they're aluminum and have been exposed to an estimated 1,000 degrees farinheit throw them out.i know probably not what you wanted to hear but remeber oops is a famous last word.If need be until you get gaffs use 2 pieces of rope knoted togther tied with a girth hitch around the trunk and do spurless removals.its safer then using compromised gear. __________________ Have your say join us today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzkd_m4ivmc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzfzb...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-OqK...eature=related

29th February 2008, 11:47 PM	#10 (permalink)
JayD Astronaut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 821	Re: Burnt flip line hi Ken, I'm sorry to hear of your house fire, With your aluminium climbers have them tested by the manufacture before you discard them, My experience with aluiminium when exposed to a heat that will damage them there's no mistaking the damage they simply collapse to a blob like form.Have them tested first before you throw them it might save you buying new ones.Think about it they can weld al, To weld al you have to melt the alloy to get fusion and it still has it's structual integrity. Just have them professionally inspected first. __________________ Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory

2nd March 2008, 12:08 PM	#12 (permalink)
newguy18 Tree World Icon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Live Oak Florida home of the crapiest trees you will ever see. Posts: 2,196	Re: Burnt flip line I just don't trust alminum enough to begin with but after extreme heat like that,no way i'd use them but if you feel like you can get by after having them tested go for it just be safe while doing it. __________________ Have your say join us today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzkd_m4ivmc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzfzb...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-OqK...eature=related

6th March 2008, 03:07 PM	#13 (permalink)
Arizona Kenn Gettin' motoring Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: arizona Posts: 26	Re: Burnt flip line just to let you all know the status on my gear. I'm getting a new traverse saddle from Wesspur, replace the spurs and climb a stump to see how everything checks out. I might look like a crazy man but I plan to see if I can break anything while I'm as close to the ground as possible. An interesting footnote; my 192 was damaged so bad the handle was melted off. However, the engine didn't freeze and fuel lines are still intact. A new case from eBay, little tune up and I'll have a nice back-up saw. I don't think the same fate holds true for the 360 though.

6th March 2008, 03:11 PM	#14 (permalink)
Arizona Kenn Gettin' motoring Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: arizona Posts: 26	Re: Burnt flip line Quercus , thanks for the picts and advice.

7th March 2008, 05:03 PM	#16 (permalink)
newguy18 Tree World Icon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Live Oak Florida home of the crapiest trees you will ever see. Posts: 2,196	Re: Burnt flip line nope never been in a plane,the only vehicle to my name is from 1960,the only thing i have that is aluminum is pop cans.I'll stick with steel biners but to each his own. __________________ Have your say join us today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzkd_m4ivmc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzfzb...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-OqK...eature=related

8th March 2008, 12:34 AM	#17 (permalink)
Therrin The Tree World Bandit Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lancaster, Ca Posts: 1,113	Re: Burnt flip line Well I read the first couple posts, then skipped ahead. I'm pretty much thinking that if our "Lowe's equipment purchasing guru" says that its trash, and to throw it out, then its REALLY unsafe to use!!