Distel question

[2ndgclimber]

I"ve read that your cord has to be a smaller diameter than your climb line in order for the distel hitch to work.What is the reason for this?In the Sherrill catalog they sell a 10 mm tenex cord and an 8mm ultra tech cord,what size would work best on 1/2 inch climbing line?

 

[TheTreeSpyder]

i changed over to modern chords of smaller than 1/2" diameter and went beyond TautLine and Blake's; with friction hitches that were secured at both ends with a distel and shwab in 1/2" 3 strand as a transition point/bridge. Then trying the chords with the now familiar distel and schwab, then going on to chord with VT and different 'Knut strategies".

i like the chords better, high tech stuff not essential, they say it wears faster 'round these parts last i hear.

Most seem to prefer tied eyes to the flared bulk at end of spliced.

Smaller chords on a larger line always give more grip, retain more strength, as opposed to like of larger diameter on the same host i think is safe to say.

Rocky's Recomended Friction Chord Choice presently 'on sale' for .33/ft.

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

I find that the distal/swabish tied with 5/16" rope tends to lock down, but works better for the VT.
If you are going to tie the distal, go with 3/8" cord, most people use the pre-made tennex eye and eye cords.

 

[Stumper]

FWIW, Mike I found the Schwabisch tended to lock for me with 5/16 StaSet but the Distel performs perfectly. In full gear(including chainsaw) I wegh over 250lbs.

 

[rumination]

I have been using the distel almost exclusively as of late and I find that it works just fine with 5/16"(8mm) sta-set, and never locks up on me. I also like the compactness of the hitch when using smaller diameter cord.

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

What I mean by lock down may be different than what you think I mean.
I'm not talking lock down like a tautline might work on it's best day. I mean it might take a 1/2 of a pound or a pound of pull to break it, not like the 10 pounds it takes to move a blakes every time.
I've tied the distal with both cords and find the 3/8 a bit more forgiving, and the vt with 5/16 a bit better than both those.

 

[2ndgclimber]

What length of cord are you guys using?The ones in sherrill are 34".

 

[Stumper]

I'm cutting my 5/16 Sta set 44" long then forming my scaffold knots(Dbl Fisherman's). I haven't measured the finished length.

I just went and measured-my current cord is 24.75 inches eye to eye.

 

[NickfromWI]

34" is way too long. I can easily tie a 3/1 distel with a 24" sling, and have done it with shorter ones. The extra length is more slack you have to pull before you actually start tending any slack. That is why I prefer a shorter sling.

Aim for 24-26" and you should be much happier!

love
nick