Mid sized rigging rope

Martin

Looking at a new mid-size rigging rope. I'd like something with enough strength to do some serious rigging but small enough to work with easily in the tree and work well for smaller jobs as well. Originally was thinking about the 9/16 stable braid but am wondering about the natural crotch rigging as I would like to do that when possible (removals etc.). The other thing I was thinking was a 12 strand which would solve the milking problem except for the lower strength. What about this Samson Tenex? Has anyone used this stuff for rigging? The 1/2 stuff goes at 13100 abs which is the same as the 9/16 stable braid and while only slightly lighter it would work well in both false and natural crotch rigging. Has anyone used this stuff in long lengths? Or maybe the milking with the double braids isn't a big issue? Anyone that knows the ultimate do everything kind of line? Thanks - Martin

Eric Frei

Tennex is a really lose weave and will get picked easily.

I haven't come a cross the ultimate line, you need a good bull rope or 3 strand for natural crotch.

Lowering lines under 1/2" dia are a PITA to handle.

For lighter rigging most people use a retired climbing line, but we're talking stuff under say 200Lb a load.

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Willard Holmen

Yes I hear alot of guys are going back to 3 strand for natural crotch, but its just so darn hard to stuff back into the rope bag . I guess a guy should be using a bigger bag like a duffle bag.
I remember years ago a instructor told us " If your retired climbing line is not safe to support you, why would you feel its safe to use for rigging?"
But it was easy to realize his sponsors are rope companies but he did have a point.
Willard.

rbtree

True Blue is the best line for natural crotch rigging. For your location, there will be little need to be rigging loads over 700 lb. It is a large 1/2", and rated at 7300 lb. 95% of my rigging is with these 1/2 lines, single or double braid.

However, my source, here in Seattle, gets me coated 1/2" double braid for about .60 a foot, a lot cheaper than TB.....While not optimal for natural crotch rigging, it will work,and last, if the loads aren't to high. That said, it is much better to use blocks for rigging, and a portawrap for control.

If you'd like some line, I could get it for you, if my source/friend doesn't want to ship across the border.

See http://tiny.cc/dgXNF

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elloppo

I have used and currently use 16mm tenex 65m in length for good sized trees. It has held up as long as my old standard 12 strand for both natural and false crotch rigging. it can be bought in either two end per carrier (sling grade) or single end per carrier ( same as a standard 12 strand but looser weave).

It can pick like ekka said but I have not had any real issues with mine picking as such.

It is super strong and nearly half the price of equivalent double braid. An added bonus is with the sling grade stuff you can make your own loopies, whoopies and eye slings when your done with it. (providing that part of the rope is still serviceable of course).

I have recently replaced mine with 16mm husky line (double braid).

However for general purpose rigging both false and natural crotch you can't go past 16mm 12 strand new england tree line or samson arborplex.

Milking in double braids is hardly an issue to ponder, they are just too expensive to thrash.

If you want a strong thrash rope just buy 3 strand polypropelene. Cheap as chips and you cant f@#k it coz its already f@#ked!

Martin

Thanks guys, I'll keep looking around, I definitely like the idea of the tenex or a tough 12 strand like true blue or Buzz. Thanks again for the comments. - Martin

rbtree

elloppo, where in outer Mongolia are ya?!

I wouldn't mind trying Tenex (hollow braid), especially if it were coated to stiffen it up a bit. But I'd have to check the elongation at 10 and 2-% of tensile and compare it with double braid. Any less stretch would not be a good thing.

As I said, Martin, unless you are negative blocking, or are working huge madrones or big leaf maple, or taking trees whole, there is little need for a line larger than 1/2 inch.

I've been doing technical rigging for 35 years, and am still improving and learning, but suffice it to say, I know what works. Smaller is faster, in all cases, unless you are limited to taking smaller pieces.'

Like the tree we did today, but that is another story all together. I'll work on getting story/ photos up soon. It involved a learning climber, who I walked through the procedures, and a structurally compromised tree.

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rbtree

Yep, Buzz, and maybe another line match the TB in specs and are cheaper....

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newguy18

5/8" tree master is good for crotch rigging.

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old schooler

FlashD

If you don't mind using a "climbing" line for rigging, New England Ropes makes a line called ArborELITE. It's a 16-strand line that is intended for climbing but has a really high strength (Something like 9000lbs if I'm not mistaken). We use it a lot for natural crotch rigging as we don't want to fry all our nice double braids. Best thing, it's really inexpensive. I think Bailey's had it on sale for $80-85 and I know elsewhere that you can get it even cheaper.

Martin

Thanks everyone, it all sounds great. I would like to have the option to do some light negative blocking while still having a light enough line to use everyday and be able to use in natural and false crotches. I guess it sounds like too much to ask for. Oh well. The best sounding line so far seems to be the tenex except for the potential pulling. Is this line comparable to other lines in terms of strength loss when knotted? It's just that I know while its a completely separate product the amsteel cannot be knotted at all. If that's not the case with tenex then it might be the ticket. Otherwise I'll just go with a lighter line or just retire my tachyon a little early as I do have access to both 5/8 and 3/4 stable braids with blocks if I need them (I just like to have my own gear you know). Thanks again and happy holidays to those who celebrate. Marty

Tree Prodigy

I use samson 1/2"blue or gold streak it is a little stronger and runs better through the crotch than the true blue its load strength is 8100lbs

Martin

Looking through the Wesspur catalog I was thinking thats the rope if I'm going to go new and under 10000 lbs. Thanks

Cole

why dont you look at like yale double esterlon 1'2 or something, we use amsteel winch rope for lifting things with the grcs, and for dynamic shock load we use the 5/16 or what ever if there was one rope out there that did it all i would have miles of the shit.....

Martin

Yah, I hear you but I'm just not sure about the milking with the double braid in natural crotch rigging like I already said. If you have experience with the natural crotches and double braids and milking isn't a problem then that would be perfect because the original rope I wanted was the stable braid.

rbtree

I doubt if milking is much of a concern. But I don't use db lines in natural crotch rigging till they've gotten old. Main reason is because they do tend to pick a bit, but coating helps that.. Hollow braid (Tenex, Yalex) would pick easily, however.

My advice, get 1/2 inch PS Ropes DB through me. I'm about ready to buy some, and could easily handle 600 feet if I had two people to share 200 feet each with....It is the equal of Samson's product.

and the price I get is pretty much unbeatable.

Trust me, 1/2 inch is all you need for 90% of the work.

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rbtree

I assume you meant 5/8th polyester d/b for dynamic work......

certainly not HMWPE lines (amsteel) Never shock load it!

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Martin

I hear ya. I'll probably end up retiring my climbing line to replace the old 1/2" line I have has been doing all my rigging. If I have any big rigging jobs to do I'll borrow my buddies 5/8 with pulleys. I won't be buying anything right away so won't be able to help to there sorry. Happy New Year - Martin