Be Safe, Work Safe

by Robert W. Phillips

There are an incredible number of techniques for climbing and working in trees, because every climber has slightly different preferences and needs. I feel that it's good to experiment, but whatever the idea, think safety first. Work on new techniques in a controlled way so that if they fail, it doesn't mean disaster. When climbing, always exercise caution.

If you crotch your climbing line into either a pulley or other suitable false crotch, you will find that there can be excessive heat build-up in your friction hitch as you descend. On a long descent, go slowly and take breaks to allow the heat in the hitch to dissipate. The rope that you tie the friction hitch to doesn't heat up. It's the rope used to tie the hitch that melts. This can weaken the hitch to the point of breaking.

Sometimes it doesn't hurt to use a backup. In my case, the backup is a replaceable-pin microadjuster on the line above my Blake hitch.

Please refer to the illustration. First, I place a double-locking carabiner (the black one) in the eye of the microadjuster. Next, I clip the eye-spliced end of a three-foot section of rope into the carabiner using a Fisherman's knot. This second carabiner clips to my saddle. Finally, I tie a figure-eight knot and Blake hitch below the microadjuster with the remaining short rope. My climbing line attaches to my saddle with a third (yellow) carabiner.

Make sure that the microadjuster can set itself above the Blake hitch. There should be a gap of a couple of inches to be sure that the microadjuster has room to set.

If you incorporate this idea in your climbing techniques, you may find that it will help give a feeling of security,. If the friction hitch fails, the microadjuster will catch. It doesn't get in the way when ascending. When you want to descend, press down on the lever arm of the micro adjuster. It slides down on top of the Blake hitch. Under a load, the lever arm of the microadjuster may be difficult to disengage.

This technique may help you, or you may think it's overkill. I would rather be safe than sorry.

Mr. Philips can be contacted directly by sending a letter (with a S.A.S.E.) to:
Robert W. Phillips, 500 Los Trancos Rd, Portola Valley, CA 94028