Thanks posters, pics of slings, eyes, portawrap

[dchurch]

I've been a member/reader for sometime and just wanted to say thanks. I've used a bunch of great info from this site. Not wanting be a total sponger I'm posting a few pics of ropes and slings that I've spliced.

I made the slings and did these eyes and others (not shown) using two homemade fids. One is simply a straighten coat hanger bent in half (for 16 strand...). The other fid is about 6 inches of 3/4" pvc conduit cut at a very acute angle (like 70 degrees). The pvc fid works great for splicing 3 strand, Tree-Master... Hey, I saw folks have made fids by ponding flat one end of a piece of soft wire, then drilling it out to make the eye of a long needle. I'm going to try that next time.

The lowering device is my take on similar designs (port-a-wrap...). This one is stainless. I did the design, cutting, and drilling. A pro-welder friend finished the fabrication. I love it. Its first job was lowering some 30' spruce limbs. I used a solo technique (w/ slings), that I read about here. The tip was perfect for this particular job.

Yesterday, I used my rope puller for the 100th time. Something I bought because of poster comments. This time I used it in combo with a second line and blocks to re-erect a 40' cedar tree that uprooted and fell into a customer's yard. It worked like a charm and my customer was rightfully impressed.

This site is fantastic!
Thanks, Dave

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[mikewhite85]

nice n' shiney.

I just bought a rope puller myself. Glad it came in handy for you. Looking forward to using mine.

 

[Pelorus]

Nice splices!
I've only ever (sucessfully) spliced eyes in StableBraid. Recently got a copy of Brion Toss "Working Rope" book 5, which looks excellent.

"Fair leads",
Dave

 

[2treeornot2tree]

16 strand is pretty easy to splice. I use my bench vise in my garage to help pull the strands threw. The first time i tried to splice, i tried to do it by hand. It didnt work out so well. I clamp a boat cleat in the vise, and also a rod to wrap the rope around to pull out strands.

 

[dchurch]

Clamp cleat tie

16 strand is pretty easy to splice. I use my bench vise in my garage to help pull the strands threw. The first time i tried to splice, i tried to do it by hand. It didnt work out so well. I clamp a boat cleat in the vise, and also a rod to wrap the rope around to pull out strands.

I agree, you need to have a stout setup to do some of the required pulling. I think my coat hanger fid may add even more friction. I have used my big shop vise... for the tough bury. I have also found that a maul handle works well. Just tie off to the center of the handle, stand on top of the handle while straddling the knot, then do a squat/stand using the rod that you mentioned. Instead of the rod I use a double length of webbing thrown over my hip in a belay style. It feels pretty safe if something was to suddenly give.

Opps, important detail: I clamp vicegrips on the pulling end of my fid and girth hitch above them with the webbing.

Ya Mike,
I always hated using my old cable come-along (limited length contraption). The continuous rope puller is a joy to use. Add a couple of blocks for redirecting the pull, advantage ratios... and you can tackle a lot.