Friction Saver Question

[GFB]

Hi everyone,

Working in a large black walnut this weekend and set a friction saver (48" two ring from Sherrill) and when we pulled it up, it twisted and we were unable to shake it into place. Those have a curve to them, and it seems if it's twisted, that makes it harder to shake out. We could have reset it, but chose not to. My question is:

Does this downgrade the SWL? If so, how much do you think? I think it only had one turn, but it was difficult to see it, as the spar we had it on was about 18" in diameter.

Thanks,

Gary

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Loading the fibers will reduce the tensil some, but I don't think a whole lot. The amnufacturer would have to answer that question.

I've worked on those sewn-web frictionsavers while twisted over the branch. Never had a problem, and I probably weigh more then the two of you together.

 

[NickfromWI]

don't worry about it.

Surely a twist in the material will bring down the strength of the materials a bit. However, it would be nowhere near enough to worry about if you're just climbing on it. I knew a few guys at The Care of Trees that purposely put a twist in it because they said it flipped out of tight crotches more successfully. I didn't work better for me, though.

Climb safe and have fun!

love
nick

 

[ramanujan]

incidently what is the breaking strength for the average two ring FC? i make my own with rescue slings and biners and pulleys, but the buckingham ones always look to me like they are bombproof.

 

[tjk]

I think they are in the 6000 lb area. I think that is the rings not the strap