Jim, be careful if your washer is a top-loader. If you daisy-chain your rope and it comes undone, the rope would get tangled around the agitator and you might destroy your washer and/or (worse yet!) your rope. If you put the rope into a mesh bag, maybe it would be okay, I don't know.

I think front-loaders are the only way to go with something like a rope, so I go to a laundromat and use a coin-operated one.

Part of the reason I'm so reluctant to use a top-loader is the fact that even in the front-loader without an agitator bashing things around, my Sportline daisy chain came undone, inside a mesh bag yet, and turned into a horrid tangle! I can only imagine how much worse it would have been with reciprocating mechanical paddles in the middle of the rat's nest!

Does anybody have any horror stories about ropes and washing machines?

No horror stories, but I have a top loading Kenmore that I've used on my Fly and assorted XTC and safety blue without incident. I use the gentle cycle during which the agitator barely moves. I've had the daisy chain come partly undone without problems. Tried using a garment bag a few times, but always had balancing problems. Guess it depends on the machine. The first few times, I watched over the washer and just watched how it went.

Hey guys, I just joined the forum. I'm a newbie at tree climbing but love it. I have a bunch of tall pine trees as well as some other trees in my yard and I hope to give them all a try.

I have been reading with interest about the slipping Blake's hitch because I have experienced the same thing with my new Samson Arbor Plex rope. Being new and still experiencing "height phobia", it really spooked me when it started slipping.

I was climbing with a friction saver and I realize that less friction between the rope and tree means more friction will be required by the knot. It's just when you read the "books", it's like you just tie this knot and it holds when it's supposed to hold and slips when it's supposed to slip. My knot seems to be confused about holding and slipping.

The problem may be that it's a new rope so it may go away. In the mean time, I presume the B-53 means five wraps, but is the three the number of bottom or top wraps?

Thanks,
Ron

Ron asked: "I presume the B-53 means five wraps, but is the three the number of bottom or top wraps?"

A 5-3 Blakes means that there are 5 wraps around the climbing rope; 3 of those wraps are BELOW where the tail of the rope exits the knot.
(A 4-2 Blakes is another common configuration.)

Patrick

Thanks Patrick.

I used the 4-2 on my new Arbor Plex and it slipped. I want to try the 5-3; it'll probably take care of the slipping problem.

Ron

Hello Ron Welcome to the TCI Site. I have Arborplex rope and when it was new ( like any rope) the knots slip a little. I now use a split tail all the time since it is better for my stile of climbimg. And since I am a gear crazy person I do a lot of SRT climbing. Your rope will get more supple and pliable and the Blakes will hold better in the next few climbs. Make sure you "dress" the knot properly before leaving the ground and you will be fine. Make sure the knots are properly tied for sure. Anyone can make a mistake from time to time and it is better to find out before you leave the ground.