2-n-1 flipline

[StrataTree]

I started climbing with a 2-n-1 flipline and really like it. The boss is trying to get me to switch to a rope grab but so far I don't like it as much. He uses a twisted clevis to attach to his harness and I'm pretty sure those aren't rated for that use. Also I climb mostly pines and other conifers that are quite limby and when I get into the limbs he wants me to climb the limbs basically without a tie in until I get to my TIP. I know that's not up to recent safety requirements for climbing. So it seems to me the 2-n-1 is the perfect answer to always be tied in and climb the limbs quickly. The flipline with just a rope grab seems useless to me while limb climbing... Any input or suggestions welcome

Anyone using a 2-n-1? Do you love it or...

Maybe part of my problem is just trying something new...I trust the prussick on my current setup and was noticing that when I used his setup with the rope grab I was a bit uneasy trusting it!?! Also that screw in the twisted clevis seems like it could work itself loose in a long climb and I'd never know it...thoughts?

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Nix on the clevis. Not rated and not a good idea imo. All ppe should need two distinct movements to open. I'm not a huge clevis fan for anything, to be honest, seen too many loosen up.

 

[treeman75]

I like my 2n1 buckstrap. There are times when that is all I use in small trees.

 

[StrataTree]

Nix on the clevis. Not rated and not a good idea imo. All ppe should need two distinct movements to open. I'm not a huge clevis fan for anything, to be honest, seen too many loosen up.

Thanks Jollylogger, so my gut feeling about the screw on the clevis is justified...kinda scary!

Xnay the clevis...I won't let my old school boss talk me into it!

 

[Oak Savanna]

I use a 2 in 1. Love it. I have a 10 foot with a prusik and a 15 foot with a Gibbs 2 way rope grab. A guy that works for me uses a one way lanyard so he uses his climbing line as a second lanyard when advancing so he is always tied. The Gibbs klimair 2 way grab is pretty slick because it swivels too. Got it from wesspur. Keep away from the clevis set up. Always stay tied in, one slip is all it takes. Sure free climbing is fast but it's not safe. If your boss wants to be a cowboy that's his deal. You have to be able to work tomorrow!

 

[beastmaster]

I'm not sure what a 2 in 1 flipline is. But if your comfortable with it and its safe, that's all that matters. But don't confuse complicity with efficiency. Any time you try some thing new it's going to feel different and unfamiliar. That is why so many climbers still use the tail of their climbing line with a taunt hitch. The may try a slit tail with a pulley one time, but since its different then what their use to they'll stay in that comfort zone and go back to using the tail of their line. I doubt anyone who learns to use a slit tail and pulley would ever go back.
I used the suicide knot to climb on for 15 years and big steel locking clips, didn't trust those rope graps or any thing aluminum. It got the job done, but a nice braided climbing line with a rope grap and a carabiner is one sweet lanyard. I'm going to start using a 10mm rope with a pinto pulley and a prussic on a vt for a lanyard here soon. My point is don't get stuck on some piece of your equipment just because that is all you ever used.
I use to free climb a lot back in the day. I am a lot smarter now and safer. I use my climbing line as a second tie in when ever i unhook. Nice thing about that is you can sometimes toss it up a ways and move up the tree quicker. No matter what you do get rid of that clavis. Even if its rated, there not safe unless they are wired or pinned

 

[sgreanbeans]

I have both and use both. Depends on the job. Like Beasty said, don't limit yourself to one set up. Stick with proper clips tho, they are to cheap to risk a life. You can get nice biners at rock climbing outfits, a lot cheaper than the Arborist supply hotspots. Same stuff, way cheaper.

 

[squad143]

I don't know where you guys are buying your equipment from, but the twisted Clevis I get from Sherrills are rated to over 11,000 lbs. I use it with a rope grab on a wire core flip line. I crank the pin down with pliers and its never budged. It has some kind of locking feature. I always do a safety check when entering a tree anyways and its an item that I check, along with everything else. If one was still concerned, you could safety wire it in.

Large Clevis with a Twist, 13/32" | SherrillTree.com
View attachment 300680

Your wise to always be tied in. I use my climbing Line as my secondary tie in point.

Been thinking if getting a rope grab with the 90 degree twist to make removing my lanyard easier.
View attachment 300681

 

[TheJollyLogger]

I don't know where you guys are buying your equipment from, but the twisted Clevis I get from Sherrills are rated to over 11,000 lbs. I use it with a rope grab on a wire core flip line. I crank the pin down with pliers and its never budged. It has some kind of locking feature. I always do a safety check when entering a tree anyways and its an item that I check, along with everything else. If one was still concerned, you could safety wire it in.

Large Clevis with a Twist, 13/32" | SherrillTree.com
View attachment 300680

Your wise to always be tied in. I use my climbing Line as my secondary tie in point.

Been thinking if getting a rope grab with the 90 degree twist to make removing my lanyard easier.
View attachment 300681

A clevis isn't rated for life support. Anything for life support must be double locking. It's not the weight rating, it's the mechanism.

 

[squad143]

Run aircraft safety wire through the eye pin to the clevis and you get your double locking.

 

[treesmith]

mostly use Yale wire core/micrograb and a petzl grillon, sometimes a spare prusik for the other end of my climbing line but not often.

 

[rtsims]

I have both. One 12' wire core with some sort of mechanical grab on it, which is what I use 95% of the time. The other is a 20' 3 strand with snaps on each end and a 3 strand prusik with a snap so it can be adjusted. I find it to be more efficient to use my regular flip line in conjunction with my climb line to advance in conifers. Usually I will advance let's say 10', set my climb line, repell down to the lower most limbs and work my way up to my TIP and repeat. Not saying a 2 in 1 isn't a good thing, but mine is a PITA to adjust after I have set my 220 lbs in it, so it stays on the ground.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Run aircraft safety wire through the eye pin to the clevis and you get your double locking.

Or just use a locking biner and be able to take it off or readjust any time I want, and not have to worry about OSHA.

 

[rbtree]

Sorry, but I've been using the twisted clevis for well over 10 years, and will continue to do so. Bought it from Sherril, most likely. Perfectly safe. Take it on and off often. I only hand tighten it. It has "detents" which keep it from opening on its own. And it has never moved, not once in as long as I've used it. Of course, I'm usually tied in twice.

 

[woodchuck357]

It is a flip line with snaps on both ends

I'm not sure what a 2 in 1 flipline is. But if your comfortable with it and its safe, that's all that matters. But

and a split tail prussic type slider in the middle with a snap on it to make it adjustable. I don't see why you would need the extra snap on the end of an adjustable lanyard except to jack up the price.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Sorry, but I've been using the twisted clevis for well over 10 years, and will continue to do so. Bought it from Sherril, most likely. Perfectly safe. Take it on and off often. I only hand tighten it. It has "detents" which keep it from opening on its own. And it has never moved, not once in as long as I've used it. Of course, I'm usually tied in twice.

Don't be sorry, just don't get caught by OSHA. Doing occasional ROW work, and having been through a couple inspections, I make sure all my gear is compliant, and there is a reason for most of those rules. You can't tell me a clevis is as secure as a locking carabiner. As Asplundh says, the rules were written in blood before they were written in ink.

 

[rbtree]

JL, It's actually more secure. A triple action carabiner rated for life support is not infallible.

As far as OSHA is concerned, I am not too worried about them, as I own my business, and have since 1985...Been an arborist since 1975 and have yet to have them show up on a jobsite..knock on wood, hope it stays that way.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

To each their own. I move my flipline around too much to mess with a clevis every time.

 

[Procut]

I Also I climb mostly pines and other conifers that are quite limby and when I get into the limbs he wants me to climb the limbs basically without a tie in until I get to my TIP. I know that's not up to recent safety requirements for climbing.

DO NOT DO IT!Your safety is key and you acknowledging that it is not up to recent safety requirements is great , in facts it is not a safe climbing practice at all. You and you alone have the last say in the tree , in my opinion. SAFETY is priority! Your reason for being safe awaits you at home , your family! Safety standards are set forth to protect you and keep you safe. Those who follow these standards and practices separate themselves from NON Professionals. Be a pro my friends , do not take advice like that from the Nons. Be safe!

 

[treesmith]

The bloke I first climbed with for a company in 2001 was the same age as me but had done it from school. He always free climbed to the top and only then put in a TIP, on removals he just ran up in his spikes and again no tie in till the top. I always thought he was mad and he'd laugh at me for being a slow ass. Tried it his way once on a massive multi stemmed Poplar and a spike slipped, just an inch or so but enough to scare the absolute crap out of me. Lesson learned. He was a skillful climber and quick too but he doesn't climb any more, I heard that something went wrong and now he rides a mower. I'd rather be a bit slower but still here