Close call today

[swyman]

Removing a 85' monster pin oak 6' from a house. While I have most of the tree limbed out I started the day on a limb that was close but going away from the house. I was maxed out in my bucket (60') taking a limb at a fork with 20' going out from fork. Using a short rope I used a figure 8 on a bite for my slip on one side and a running bowline on the tree side and cut between so limb would hang then I could chunk it down. Well I did not back up the bowline tail with a safety figure 8 and had a little to much slack. Made a slow cut and the knot pulled right through and down she went ... It rested 6" from the down spout on the corner of the house. Not the way I want to learn a lesson but assured it won't happen again!

 

[kdslocum]

got lucky:msp_thumbup:

 

[arborpros]

Thanks for sharing. Learn from it and grow. That is a very close call for sure.

 

[swyman]

got lucky:msp_thumbup:

I am a rookie I admit (1st year in bus) but believe this is a business that you don't want to be lucky in. I hope I am not lucky again!

 

[Blakesmaster]

Setting knots is something I'm pretty anal about. I don't often use a marl or half hitch to back up the bowline but I always make sure it is biting properly. Knowing how to tie the right not is only a portion of the battle. Dress and set it properly!

 

[tree MDS]

Setting knots is something I'm pretty anal about. I don't often use a marl or half hitch to back up the bowline but I always make sure it is biting properly. Knowing how to tie the right not is only a portion of the battle. Dress and set it properly!

Half hitch before bowline here. Sometimes if the load is going to drop before catching, I'll go as far as a half hitch and then a clove (think butt hitching smooth barked limbs).

 

[flushcut]

No, you want to be lucky in this business because ANYTHING can happen, but you have to take every precaution to prevent it. Blakes has it right dress and set your knots. A quote from the Ashley Book of Knots: "A knot is either exactly right or it is hopelessly wrong".
A lot of guys think this work is easy 'oh you just cut down trees how hard could that be' well it isn't. Use your head and listed to that little voice in the back of your head that is giving you doubt in your setup. I wish you well and success in the tree biz stay safe.

 

[swyman]

No, you want to be lucky in this business because ANYTHING can happen, but you have to take every precaution to prevent it. Blakes has it right dress and set your knots. A quote from the Ashley Book of Knots: "A knot is either exactly right or it is hopelessly wrong".
A lot of guys think this work is easy 'oh you just cut down trees how hard could that be' well it isn't. Use your head and listed to that little voice in the back of your head that is giving you doubt in your setup. I wish you well and success in the tree biz stay safe.

AMEN! Took rest of limbs off today, have the stalk to drop tomorrow. Everything went very smooth as planned. I always thought I did a good job dressing the knot and even today had one that backed up to the figure 8? Would I be better off doing 3 half hitches with a tie off on the 3rd? I don't think any tension ever gets to that 3rd wrap.

 

[oscar4883]

I personally don't use a "stopper" knot on a bowline tail, if I am following correctly. Nor have I ever seen it done. Like Blakes said, dress the knot well and you will be good to go. Three half-hitches sounds like a lot as well unless it is a super-sized piece IMO and even then it may be overkill.

 

[tree MDS]

AMEN! Took rest of limbs off today, have the stalk to drop tomorrow. Everything went very smooth as planned. I always thought I did a good job dressing the knot and even today had one that backed up to the figure 8? Would I be better off doing 3 half hitches with a tie off on the 3rd? I don't think any tension ever gets to that 3rd wrap.

Not sure what you're talking about. Doesn't sound like you're the guy I'd want taking down a monster pin oak 6' from my house though. no offense.

 

[tree MDS]

I personally don't use a "stopper" knot on a bowline tail, if I am following correctly. Nor have I ever seen it done. Like Blakes said, dress the knot well and you will be good to go. Three half-hitches sounds like a lot as well unless it is a super-sized piece IMO and even then it may be overkill.

I've never even heard of such a thing. sounds to me like his problems might be in the actual tying of the bowline, and maybe not so much the dressing.

 

[swyman]

Not sure what you're talking about. Doesn't sound like you're the guy I'd want taking down a monster pin oak 6' from my house though. no offense.

Works out for both of us, your to far away!

 

[Pelorus]

Haven't had a runnin' bowline come loose in 24, mebbe 25 years.
Wouldn't trust one tied in polypropylene, lol. (or some static lines with a real stiff cover braid).

Reckon I'm just a lucky guy, but for the scars, lost hair, and years taken off my life from close calls/near misses.
Some ground guys ("donkeys") can be super stressful.

 

[oldirty]

I've never even heard of such a thing. sounds to me like his problems might be in the actual tying of the bowline, and maybe not so much the dressing.

you are on fire in this thread. lol.


sounds like junior here is tying a stroll'n bo'lin!!

i like the halfhitch then run'n bo'lin combo myself. damn near bullet proof.

 

[swyman]

you are on fire in this thread. lol.


sounds like junior here is tying a stroll'n bo'lin!!

i like the halfhitch then run'n bo'lin combo myself. damn near bullet proof.

I will use that, thanks. Completed job today and they were so pleased I have to go back and take down 2 mulberry!

 

[FanOFatherNash]

Not sure what you're talking about. Doesn't sound like you're the guy I'd want taking down a monster pin oak 6' from my house though. no offense.

do you have a monster pin oak 6' from your house ? if not who cares what you want. no offense.

 

[tree MDS]

do you have a monster pin oak 6' from your house ? if not who cares what you want. no offense.

I think you missed the point. it's all good though.

 

[swyman]

Man, I send a post admitting a mistake and boy some are nasty. Thanks to those that gave advice, I took a pic of my knot but can't figure out how to upload from my phone. I will post it from home after work and hopefully you guys can see where I may be making a mistake

 

[tree MDS]

Man, I send a post admitting a mistake and boy some are nasty. Thanks to those that gave advice, I took a pic of my knot but can't figure out how to upload from my phone. I will post it from home after work and hopefully you guys can see where I may be making a mistake

It's all this guy named jeff's fault. he trained us to be this way..

 

[swyman]

Well here is my knot, what is wrong with it? Also here is a pic of the aftermath, it was a tight dropzone and all went as it should have. I used a 10' X 14" DIA to absorb the trunk so there would be no damage, to my suprise it nearly disappeared!View attachment 201918View attachment 201919