1) How do you tie off your anchor point for SRT? I have just wrapped it around a tree trunk few times and knotted it with a double-figure-eight, but this doesn't seem like the best method.

2) Would you ever open your locking carabiner while your load was on it at height? For example, to clip in to a new DRT TIP or to switch from ascenders to a grigri to descend. They are rated for open and closed weight, so I feel like it is ok. Given the shape of the biner and the fact that there is a load on it, it seems impossible for the rope to come out.

- _link_

Originally posted by _link_774
1) How do you tie off your anchor point for SRT? I have just wrapped it around a tree trunk few times and knotted it with a double-figure-eight, but this doesn't seem like the best method.

Typical method is to put an F8 on bight on the end of the rope, back it with a double overhand, wrap it around the trunk twice, overlap the wrap and then attach to the "up" rope with a 10mm delta screw_link_. If you use biners, put 2 locking biners on and oppose the gates.

Originally posted by _link_7742) Would you ever open your locking carabiner while your load was on it at height? For example, to clip in to a new DRT TIP or to switch from ascenders to a grigri to descend. They are rated for open and closed weight, so I feel like it is ok. Given the shape of the biner and the fact that there is a load on it, it seems impossible for the rope to come out.

No. Never. Absolutely not. Don't do it. The biner that you hang your life on should never be opened unless you've already transferred your weight to a another tie-in.

Whenever you switch from SRT to DdRT you should first set your DdRT TIP, test it, transfer your weight to it, then detach from the SRT system.

For switchover to descent or rappel from SRT ascent mode, lanyard into a branch as a backup for the switchover.
-moss

2 locking biners, eh? You guys really are quite serious about safety! That's great.

Regarding (2) that's what I thought. Safety first! Thanks moss! Good luck on your RI trip! I wish I could make it, but I'm looking at condos in Boston this weekend.

- _link_

If I'm only using the rope, I'll tie a running bowline around the tree. Otherwise I'll hook another sling to the tree, then hook a biner, fig 8, gri-gri or other device to the sling, then hook the rope to that.

Regarding the 2nd question. Yes, I unclip my rope when I'm tied it to it all the time while I'm up in the tree....AS LONG AS I'M TIED IN SOMEWHERE ELSE, FIRST!!!!!

Stay tied in always no matter what.

love
nick

1) I always cinch the rope with a figure 8 knot and a 10mm mallion around the branch TIP. I don’t have it running over the branch and back to the _base_ of the tree.

2) As nick has already said, "I unclip my rope when I'm tied it to it all the time while I'm up in the tree....AS LONG AS I'M TIED IN SOMEWHERE ELSE, FIRST!!!!! " I do the same.

One question I have to add to the thread, do you guys prefer to cinch the rope to the TIP up in the tree or run it over the branch and secure it to the _base_? Why?

Matt

Thanks Nick, I'll try that method too.

aussietreeclimber, thanks for the tips. I think the main benefit of the secure-to-_base_ method is that you don't need to isolate the branch.

I'd still probably secure it to the _base_ even if I could isolate the branch, though, since it seems a bit easier to retrieve. I guess cinching has the benefit of not doubling the load on the branch, though.

- _link_