Vt cord length? Hard plastic dip for the ends

[TreeJunkie]

Anyone gotten there hitch cord down to exactly what they like? Has anyone measured the cord to see what the perfect length is? I've noticed a couple placed selling these cords w/ the ends dipped, in an almost hard plastic like material, does anyone know anything about this? Is this good for the rope? If it alright for it, where can you find it?


http://www.aerialequipment.com/inde...e&ps_session=7a8aa07561fbea7306904aeb46070aa0

This is what i'm talking about.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Originally posted by TreeJunkie
Anyone gotten there hitch cord down to exactly what they like? Has anyone measured the cord to see what the perfect length is? I've noticed a couple placed selling these cords w/ the ends dipped, in an almost hard plastic like material, does anyone know anything about this? Is this good for the rope? If it alright for it, where can you find it?


http://www.aerialequipment.com/inde...e&ps_session=7a8aa07561fbea7306904aeb46070aa0

This is what i'm talking about.

I dip a lot of ropes, you can find it in most hardwear stores. The sell it for dipping tools for a better grip. It does not store well so dip all your rope ends, then put the covered can in a plastic bag, it wills till gas off and harden.

I've done it on prussick cords, but not tress cords, just tape there. I've used then up to fast to bother with.

As for perfect length, there is none. It differes with people and rope combinations. I've had cords where they were fine longer when new, but as they wore I needed to take some length off of them

 

[murphy4trees]

Sherrill dips their ultra tech ends in a 3m electrical paste or something like that. I never did ask for that part #... but I AM sure the'd give it to ya!

 

[TreeJunkie]

Murph,
I think i do the same thing w/ my ultra tech cords, liquid electrical tape from hardware store, seems to work pretty good. but a little expensive.

 

[wiley_p]

Go to a marine supply store, they will have lots, different size cans and colors.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Originally posted by wiley_p
Go to a marine supply store, they will have lots, different size cans and colors.

But he's in Kansas

 

[okietreedude1]

TJ,

I have and use whip end dip. its a "environmentally friendly, water based formula, non-toxic, and cleans up easily. works on all types of rope." its in a small can like youd find plumbers glue. It dries pretty quick and seems to last a while. I only dip my vt/distel cords in it but you could use it on any kind of rope. Ive not used full can yet in 1 1/2 yrs.

As for length, I use a 51" cord on my vt and its about right (that's w/ dbl fish nots on the end). I have a couple of guys using distels and they are 48" as 51 was just a little too long.

if you want some, I can get it. pmail me.

 

[Lumberjack]

Rocky,


Didnt you do something to the braid to cancel out the twist?

I got my sta set in, and have been using the VT. I have been playing with the braids and wraps. I have used 3-4 wraps with 2-4 braids. Using the Rope Guide removes alot of friction, so it grabs very hard if you dont keep it dressed (the top rolls down and makes it rough).

I gotta lotta questions, so bear with me.

Has anyone had a problem with the hitch not grabbing like after ascending? Mine will occasionally not grab as the wraps will be too loose to grab, so far I have checked it every time, but if I ever didnt I definatly could have a butt puckerer. Anyone know a remedy? I like the VT except for its length (I am gonna try shortining it, which might take out the looseness problem and the extra length).

Is the VT a hitch that will work apart to more braids and less wraps? I have noticed that mine will change somewhat, but if I keep it dressed it is fine, is this normal (could be another length problem).

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

Lumberjerk,
Too long=does not grab consistantly.
Too short=advances hard.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

One thing about these "advanced" hitches is that you do have to tend to them more then the old ones.

You may have to grab tha barrel and set the knot before loading it if the rope slacked, or you pulled a lot of slack through it.

 

[Lumberjack]

Originally posted by Mike Maas
Lumberjerk,
Too long=does not grab consistantly.
Too short=advances hard.

Another pissing war?

<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_4_4v.gif' border=0></a>

 

[NickfromWI]

Originally posted by John Paul Sanborn
You may have to grab tha barrel and set the knot before loading it if the rope slacked, or you pulled a lot of slack through it.

John's right. Sometimes you can tie the Vt in a way that it won't grab automatically. This'll happen to me every now and then when I am trying a different length, type or cord, number of wraps, etc... Paying attention to it will get me through the tree and back safely to the ground, but this is not a knot that I'd deal with day in and day out.

Your friction hitch should grab automatically. It should advance smoothly. It should let you descend without having to pull hard on the hitch. If yours requires tending like JPS mentioned, try something else...your VT isn't as good as it can be.

Carl- If it's not grabbing when you use 2 wraps at the top, put one more up there and one less below. Like TreeSpyder helped me to understand a while ago- the top wraps are what's holding you, the bottom braids just kinda absorb much of the friction so the top wraps don't have to cinch down so tight.

Keep playing with it.....that always helps in a pissing contest!

love
nick

 

[Nathan Wreyford]

I have been really turned on to a 3-2vt lately.

With 16 strand lines it is a dream. Looks like a lot of slack at the 23" length, but allows me to advance w/out tending the hitch.

 

[Lumberjack]

Originally posted by NickfromWI
Your friction hitch should grab automatically. It should advance smoothly. It should let you descend without having to pull hard on the hitch. If yours requires tending like JPS mentioned, try something else...your VT isn't as good as it can be.

Carl- If it's not grabbing when you use 2 wraps at the top, put one more up there and one less below. Like TreeSpyder helped me to understand a while ago- the top wraps are what's holding you, the bottom braids just kinda absorb much of the friction so the top wraps don't have to cinch down so tight.

Keep playing with it.....that always helps in a pissing contest!

love
nick

I havent used less than 3 wraps up top. I think my biggest problem is the tress cord length.

And I got that splice the other night, Thanks!!

The crossover was perfect! I used it yesterday, and I like it alot more than my 18' steel core, it is so much lighter.

Here is my one question, do I whip, lock stitch, or both? In Samson's instructions it says to whip, In sherrills splice it looks like it is both. What is it?

 

[NickfromWI]

Either or both is good. Just do both....as long as you have a thread that goes through the rope several times locking the cover and core together.

love
nick

 

[wiley_p]

Mr. Sanborn I'm no cartographer but isnt there one of those big rivers that start with M running around down that way? Sould have thought about that I guess. Oh well next time he heads down to Louisiana he could find a nice boat shop I reckon.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Originally posted by wiley_p
Mr. Sanborn I'm no cartographer but isnt there one of those big rivers that start with M running around down that way? Sould have thought about that I guess. Oh well next time he heads down to Louisiana he could find a nice boat shop I reckon.

KC is on the confluance of the Kansas and Missouri rivers. I'm sure there is some boating there.

And his Pappy runs a company in FLA FWIW

 

[TreeJunkie]

Dang JP, you have an excellent memory. Yes there is a bit of boating around; however, good marine stores are very hard to come by around here.