Going aloft

[Brian D]

Received my ATN TopClimber and have been practicing in my garage. Time for me to go aloft and do some work. I purchased 30ft of 1/2 line so I don't have to use my halyard. I am going to tie the line to the halyard and run it up the mast. What is the recommend knot that I should joint the two together? I don't want the knot slipping while I am up the mast. Might ruin my day.Thanks guys.

 

[chris]

Sheet bend or two bowlines

nm

 

[Ross]

Just to ensure your safety seize

the tail of the knots to the standing part, both sides of the knot with a bit of small stuff.

 

[Capn Dave]

Bowlines

Ahoy Brian,Chris is correct, As you have probably discovered there is a learning curve with the ATN. I cannot for the life of me tell someone what that is. I know the first time I used it I thought I threw 300 bucks away. I soon found out the more I used it the eaiser it was. There was a fellow that wanted to borrow mine and he could not make it to the spreaders. This guy is 20 years younger than me. He gave up and asked me if I would go up. It was a piece of cake. Don't give up it will come to you and going up was eaiser than comming down to me.Fair WindsCap'n Dave

 

[Monty Miller]

Double figure-eight knot...

...is what most climbers use. The bowline is sometimes referred to as the "death knot" because it can be easily tied incorrectly or undo when there is slack on the rope. Ross's advice is correct. Make sure there is adequate tail length and tie it off. Also, do not tie to the shackle because it may not be strong enough if you drop with any slack in the line. I hope this helps.

 

[Ross]

link to animated

dougle figure-eight knot or bend.http://www.animatedknots.com/fig8join/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

 

[Capt Ron;-)]

Not A Sheet Bend!

As Ross pointed out a figure of eight is a simple one and will not fail, but cuts the line strength down.I use to climb, sierras, Canadian Rockies, The Alps etc. the preferred knot of a climber is the double fishermans bend, that sucker will not coome loose and has another advantage, but use the fig 8 I do too, and easy to see you'v etied it right and it is easy to untie, big advantage.You likely will not do this but for safety I always tie a "Prusik" knot AROUND THE MAST if that halyaard or snap-shackle, or block etc fails, the prusik will girp the mast (it will) and stop you on the way down. I have used two of these woth Atreias to climb a mast without the benifit of ANY other lines.A prusik is a very simple 'constrictor bight' knot and is in all begginers climbing books, and believe it is in Brian Toss's 'Riggers Apprentice'.Keep 'er safe out there mates, halyards fail, and accidents happen alla time..;-)

 

[Capt Ron;-)]

Chris

Chris, My apologies, seems I cannot fail to step on someones toes around here.True, two bowlines tied INSIDE each other are fine, done alla time.A sheet bend, try one, even a double sheet bend, with the SAME diameter line, can wiggle loose like abowline.The 'sheet bend' was started to tie two hawsers of dkfferent diameters works okay, but like a bowline or clove hitch cannot be trusted with your life.Bowline is the 'master of knots' because it wont slip, takes a huge strain, and can be UNTIED WHEN WET OR ICY, it will wiggle loose as Ross stated above; this IS common knowledge. I too, after reading books, thought a sheet bend would keep two lines together; sure "sounds" like it don't it?

 

[Brian D]

Good advise

Before posting I was thinking of what knot to use. The Sheetbend was not one of them. Nor was the bowline. However, the Double Fisherman's was one of them. But I wanted to get the opinion of the experienced here. Tying off the standing ends did not come across my mind. That I will definitely do.The Prusik knot is a must as a safety line. Thanks for that advise, and the other advise that was given.Appreciate the comments.

 

[Ross]

One nother thing DON"T

climb on a cheek block!! over the top of the mast only.