Tree Stand Safety Line

[Thorson]

Anyone of you guys ever put together a tree stand safety line with a prussic knot?

I was thinking about putting one together. The idea is that if I have a rope attached to the bottom and top of the tree (above tree stand), I could attach my safety harness before I started to climb. While climbing I could slide the prussic knot. When I get to the stand, I would not have to disconnect my safety harness. I could just slide the prussic not all the way up, and it would likely help to lock in the knot holding the rope around the tree.

Anyway, I can get good quality cordage and carabiners at the local REI, I just wanted to know if any of you had actually done this before.


Thanks!

[TXJon]

Yes, that's exactly what I do. Check the static line regularly, I have seen squirrels get at it.

[Thorson]

Yes, that's exactly what I do. Check the static line regularly, I have seen squirrels get at it.

What is a "static line"?


How do you make the attachments to the tree? Do you just loop it around a couple of times and double knot it, or is there something more substantial that you do?

[TXJon]

Static line is what you want to ask for when you go to REI. It's the heavy cord that you are going to tie to the tree.

I use a hangman's knot above the stand. There might be better choices, but it is the best I could come up with. It should get tighter as weight is put on it. At the bottom of the tree I use cheap Home Depot rope to attach the static line to the tree. The bottom connection is just to keep the line tight, it's not going to support any weight if you fall.

I always feel a little strange explaining to the hippies at REI what I am trying to do, but they usually know their stuff, and steer you right.

[ashx2]

Summit stands has preached the prussic knot/carabiners/static lines for years. Also, always be sure that you know your equipment before going into the woods to use it. You don't need any mistakes when you're leaving the ground.

Greg

[tx_poptart]

I asked the same question a while back, maybe some of the info I got will be of help...

http://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51609

[Thorson]

I always feel a little strange explaining to the hippies at REI what I am trying to do, but they usually know their stuff, and steer you right.

Yeah, I know exactly what you mean.

[mataconfletcha]

Not to highjack the thread but does anybody know what they call a locking rachet type pulley,one that window washers use that only allows your safety rope to go up and not down unless you depress a lever? thanks in advance.

[Thorson]

Something like This maybe?

[raiderelkhunter]

Something like This maybe?

Not to highjack the thread but does anybody know what they call a locking rachet type pulley,one that window washers use that only allows your safety rope to go up and not down unless you depress a lever? thanks in advance.

That would be called an ascender when you walk in to the climbing shop or REI. There are several different types and prices, but anything made by Petzl is great.

[mataconfletcha]

thats exactly what I need thanks.

[bulletpusher]

A static rope is one that has no stretching properties. Used on things like packs and gear. A dynamic rope is the type climbers use, which has stretching properties to diminish the sudden jolt at the end of a fall.

[doc]

Something like This maybe?

I would think a grigri might be better suited to the task -- automatic braking and all...
http://www.rei.com/product/729118

Guess it depends on if you're going up or down...

[Firecuss]

Don't wast your $$$ on an ascender when you can tie a knot.
I use the prussic all the time.
Remember for your family and friends sake 100% tie off all the time!

[Thorson]

I made up 2 of these Safety Lines for my Hagerman hunt this year. One for me, and one for my wife. They worked very well. And they also make a great deer drag for when you forget to bring one.

I can get some pictures and do a quick write up on how to make one if anyone wants the information. Heck for that matter, I can probably build one for anyone that wants one. I think I got like $20.00 each in the ones that I made. The only thing I don't like about mine is the color. They are red. Apparently, the "hippies at REI" do not like black of camouflage rope! He he he!

Anyway, I thought about getting some rope from a military surplus store, but I know some of that stuff is cheap and most do not have listed weight ratings. I figured if it was made specifically for climbing, it would suffice. Plus the people at REI cut it to length for me with their fancy rope cutting device. In any case, I had to settle for a fairly bright color. The deer did not seem to mind.