Two stage friction hitch for safety

[jimmyh]

Has anyone considered a second friction hitch of thin (e.g. paracord) cord to make sure the main hitch engages?

The way it'd work is to have several turns of thin/flexible enough cord that there is just no way that it doesn't engage the rope even when tied loosely, and for it to pull on the turns of the main hitch, forcing them to engage. It takes very minimal force to engage a not-quite-tight-enough hitch, so strength isn't an issue. It can be tied loosely, so friction is not an issue, and it can be tied with thin cord, so bulk isn't an issue.

It seems like it'd be useful for those using finicky hitches like the VT or when getting used to a new hitch as a safety back up.

 

[woodchuck357]

I would recommend concentrating on making and dressing your hitch properly rather than using a second hitch to back it up. Good to be thinking of new ways of doing things, but I'll take a pass on this one.

 

[miko0618]

I use a blakes, klemheist and schwabisch hitch. I have never had a slip. I use a 1/2" all the way down to 8mm and they all work fine. I also prefer a hitch climber setup to a VT tended with a pulley. I like the hitch above where I pull on the rope. theres never any slack this way. if you don't trust your hitch, don't use it. I trust mine 100%. they've been covered in sap, water, snow, sawdust, mud, and so on. if anything they work too well.

 

[jimmyh]

It's clearly no substitute for proper dressing, and a lot of hitches have good track records, but an apparently large number people do use the VT, and occasionally fall (the latter guy had another problem with it failing to bite!).

I've driven my car for years and years without accident too... and it's no substitute for safe driving... but when my life is on the line, I do like my seatbelt.

 

[climb4fun]

in most two stage systems that ive seen, its usually a vt attached to an ascender that acts like e-brake under a sudden drop. google it and you'll see what im talking about.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

I really don't get the bad rap the vt has. If you tie dress set it right, you're good to go all day long. A lot less finicky than a blakes in my opinion.

 

[climb4fun]

love the Valdotain tresse. though trying to srt on it is a wasted effort. thats really what the two stage systems are intended for, since srt'n on a hitch causes it to bind most of the time. srt up with the dual system and once your in place to change your connection point, you dont have to re-tie your friction hitch in the tree. just have the groundy remove your base attachment, bring the end up and hook it up. its pretty slick on black cottons that have a good size crown but are 90 ft tall. i have never had a problem with the vt. if there is ANY problem with the vt, its because the climber failed to put enough braids or loops in it. i use three loops and then i put one braid in, attach it to a beener then to my harness, put my weight on it so it settles and then put the rest of my braids in. no problems.

 

[ClimbMIT]

I love the vt as well. I do find when a climbing line is new OR the hitch cord is new it may have a break in period before it bites well consistently. Also certain hitch cord will not work well with certain ropes, hitch configurations, etc.., Most importantly it has to be dressed, tied, and set properly as stated above. I have found that once broken in and tied properly it is has very consistent friction hitch that is very responsive. Once the hitch cord and rope are broken in I still check them before adding my weight but the vt seems to be extremely reliable. This what I have experienced anyway. My break in period has been about 10 hours of climbing for the cordage i use. There are so many variables to consider! Most importantly is that you are confident with your hitch and experimented with it low and slow. IMO! Be safe