Rigging rope

[Treecutr]

I'm curious how many use the 3 strand type for riggin with block, and port a wrap. I've never used it, but it comes up from time to time I know you can get some cheap. I know it's rated strong, but most of the stuff i use now is a little stronger. I really like the 1/2" diameter rope, easy to handle, and strong. Just wonder if the cost/ strength trade off is worth it. some examples

what I have
http://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?category_id=3&item=700

what I wonder if anyone has experience with, or similar

http://www.sherrilltree.com/Professional-Gear/3-Strand_2/Tree-Master-Rope

as far as climbing lines, I use rappelling rope from military, and some civillian stuff I can get at several local stores. I use them for climbing only, never put more than me on it.

any suggestions on rope you guys use for rigging that may be as good as Stable Braid, or the like, yet cost effective better. Being still a bit new, I am just looking for more tools for the trade so to speak.

 

[OS nat crotch]

military rappelling ropes

The cheap 3 strand ropes the military uses are nylon and usually 7/16" not 1/2". Breaking strength is just under 5,000 lb. So it doesn't meet the OSHA requirement for a life support rope.

Being nylon it stretches a lot. It will stretch between 20 and 40 % before breaking. This makes is dangerous for rigging. Since you can hit the ground before it stops stretching. What is great is that it stretches. You can drop a big load and it will absorb the energy so that dropping a reasonable size piece of wood will not break it. I have often seen people fall 30 feet on this type of rope and not even complain of the "catch".

The ropes from the two websites indicated are not very stretchy (about 5 to 10% before failure). That way the limb or top won't take out everything underneath it. But you have to consider the physics of how far it will fall before it catches. 200 pounds dropped a few feet can break a 1/2' polyester rope. That is why most tree people let the rope "run" to brake over a longer time so the force is reduced rather than tying off the rope which would maximize the forces. The braking device, rope, and control person absorb some of the energy.

Consider combination ropes (polyester sheath and nylon interior) as a compromise. I use polydyne but their are other manufacturers out there that make the same thing. Keep an all polyester rope for when stretch would cause damage.

Don't use all nylon for rigging until you know more about it. I love it for personal use and bouncing around in the tree and rock climbing, and knowing that if I take a big fall the stop won't break my back. Arborists won't put themselves in that position.

 

[Rftreeman]

I use two of them (1/2 3 strand) one is threaded trough my old school block and tackle and the other get's used often for average rigging but heavy stuff gets the 5/8 stable braid or the 3/4 inch 3 strand, back in the day that's all we had, I even climbed on it....nothing wrong with it, just treat it as you would any other rope and don't over stress it and you'll be fine....

 

[jefflovstrom]

I'm curious how many use the 3 strand type for riggin with block, and port a wrap. I've never used it, but it comes up from time to time I know you can get some cheap. I know it's rated strong, but most of the stuff i use now is a little stronger. I really like the 1/2" diameter rope, easy to handle, and strong. Just wonder if the cost/ strength trade off is worth it. some examples

what I have
http://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?category_id=3&item=700

what I wonder if anyone has experience with, or similar

http://www.sherrilltree.com/Professional-Gear/3-Strand_2/Tree-Master-Rope

as far as climbing lines, I use rappelling rope from military, and some civillian stuff I can get at several local stores. I use them for climbing only, never put more than me on it.

any suggestions on rope you guys use for rigging that may be as good as Stable Braid, or the like, yet cost effective better. Being still a bit new, I am just looking for more tools for the trade so to speak.

Well, don't hate me, but I would not let my guy's climb on what you said you got. As far as rigging, I buy Samson stable braid 7/8" in a 600' spool. Even if it is almost 1200 bucks, it saves you down the road. After you replace 150' lenghts all the time. Actually, I bet your first day with a 3 stand at 150' will be shorter and damaged after the first use.
Jeff, still mellow.

 

[mic687]

I use 1/2" three strand pro master all the time. It works quite well for natural crotch rigging and preforms good with the porta wrap. I would not use it for real heavy loads but for average loads it works real well. I also have some 1/2tree master that is a little stiffer but is also a little stronger. The tree master does not tie quite as easy and seems to nick eaiser buy is still a good rope. I know on some of ACE's videos they use some real big three strand to drop some very large chuncks. I still like arbor plex to climb on, the 1/2 inch is a little thicker and eaiser for me to grip since I have carpel tunnel that some times gives me fits with smaller rope.

 

[fishercat]

I hate three strand.

It's miserable rope.

I use 1/2 stable braid 99% of the time.

 

[deevo]

Well, don't hate me, but I would not let my guy's climb on what you said you got. As far as rigging, I buy Samson stable braid 7/8" in a 600' spool. Even if it is almost 1200 bucks, it saves you down the road. After you replace 150' lenghts all the time. Actually, I bet your first day with a 3 stand at 150' will be shorter and damaged after the first use.
Jeff, still mellow.

Yep, 3 strand doesn't run worth a crap thru the porty either! I only use 3 strand for my masdam rope puller. Everything else is double braid5/8 or 3/4:agree2: