What the....?

[NeTree]

I can think of a hundred times where something like that would have been awesome.

 

[wiley_p]

I'll try to get a pic of it in use, didnt know how to get pic's on the site till I read Mike Maas instructions the other day. I clip it on the bridge on my saddle, that way it floats. Hasn't slipped off yet, it has a camming action which helps on bigger limbs(up to about 6") It's a tool I use frequently for about 6 years now in tree work, I make alot of bastard adaptations of my rock climbing experience.

 

[rumination]

This thread inspired me to learn a little more about rock climbing techniques, so I found a forum (www.rockclimbing.com) and started poking around. I was looking through the aid climbing forum when I found a thread about people practicing on trees. Most of the folks talked about using prusik hitched slings as anchor points but there was one guy who said " my daddy is a forestry professor and he says it won't hurt the tree if you drill lags or bolts into it as long as you take them out afterward". Yoicks! Shades of TreesCompany! There was another fellow who insisted that a series of small holes nailed into the tree wouldn't hurt it. Anyway, I tried to set them straight, and get them thinking about doing a hazard inspection before climbing a tree.

I also discovered that rock climbing has a deep well of different techniques and gear that I had no idea existed. I am sure there are many things that might cross over well to our work.

So, Wiley, let us know what other tricks you got up your sleeve!

 

[RescueMan]

Just caught up with this thread.

That Spectre's not an ice-climbing axe or a piece of rock aid gear, but a cross of the two. It's called an "ice piton" and its a piece of aid or route protection gear for ice climbing.

It's big enough (unlike most rock aid) for tree work. Just watch out for that sharp pick flailing around. Many an ice climber's stabbed himself accidentally.

- Robert

 

[RescueMan]

Originally posted by wiley_p
Use to have it on a daisy chain, then went to a Metolius adjustable "daisy" now the ropeman and Petzls new escape cord. I feel it is perfect now. The hook is a Black Diamond Spectre.

Hey Wiley, you could make it more "perfect" by eliminating the 'biner that's attached to the hook and just tie directly in (unless you're also using it as a general purpose lanyard). If you're worried about the tight radius, add a short piece of clear vinyl tubing as a thimble.

- Robert

 

[OutOnaLimb]

Is it just me or we all now in agreeance that we are talking about an Ice Axe or an Ice Piton? Up here in Colorado, we use those for scaling frozen water falls for fun in the winter time when the lines for the ski lift are to long and we dont feel like waiting. Or we use it as a secondary anchor point in fixed rope instalations on some slightly technical mountaineering acents. All gear has its purposes and techniques may vary, I am sure that some day I may look back and wish that I took my mountaineering gear out of the garage and put it in my truck when I do a big tree removal. It may come in handy. Who knows, I am open to new ideas. I just dont see what you are talking about. Oh and the reason I got out of the army and the reason I never became a smoke jumper, which was my second occupational choice at the time is because I have about 2 lbs of Titanium in my left leg and the docs yanked my jump status. Thank you very much.

:Monkey: Kenn

 

[OutOnaLimb]

Maybe I am being a little to defensive here. But I am still not clear on how you use this tool. I am way open mindend on trying new techniques and I would really like to know how you implement this device.

Kenn:Monkey:

 

[rbtree]

It's just a hook....
Dave's uses it as a quick way to hold body position, as one might use a sling, but this only needs a quick flick, can be moved, and is adjustable... likely, he usually uses it as a third "clip in", after lanyard and lifeline are deployed, and when they're still not enough to get comfy.

 

[NeTree]

Originally posted by RescueMan
Hey Wiley, you could make it more "perfect" by eliminating the 'biner that's attached to the hook and just tie directly in (unless you're also using it as a general purpose lanyard). If you're worried about the tight radius, add a short piece of clear vinyl tubing as a thimble.

- Robert

Ditto.

 

[wiley_p]

The radius isnt only tight its sharp,I did take the little locker off and put in a quicklink, shortened the attachment too. Was thinking about frapping it on but couldnt get a needle in /thru the hole smooth enough.

 

[wiley_p]

Kenn, in case it isnt obvious I'm not very competent with a computer, I will get some photos of the tool being used on the jobsite, I'm sure those who are highly skilled will see no need, and or certain regions will have no need, but in certain trees its value has proven out to me many times. I get by in life by utilizing every experience I have had, I may struggle to be average but I don't get fat.

 

[NeTree]

I dunno.. I consider myself highly skilled, and I can see quite a few applications for it!

 

[rahtreelimbs]

I think it is worth a further look!

 

[NickfromWI]

Originally posted by wiley_p
The radius isnt only tight its sharp,I did take the little locker off and put in a quicklink, shortened the attachment too. Was thinking about frapping it on but couldnt get a needle in /thru the hole smooth enough.

Sounds like a good spot for a splice and a thimble.

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love
nick