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AmSteel for a Line man's Belt and Thether??

The Papa Files 7

The Papa Files 7

New Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2018
Messages
26
Location
Delafield, WI
I was wondering if anyone has used Amsteel for a lineman's belt and tether. Wanted to get some input as to if this might be a good way to go with the desire to cut weight and bulk. I've also read that Splicing Amsteel is easier than splicing other ropes.. Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this... I'm currently using climbing rope but hate the bulk..
Any input would be appreciated...
 
I would not use amsteel for a tether lanyard or lineman’s lanyard. As mentioned above it can fray, it is very strong, but needs to be used in the correct application
 
Shhh...don't tell anyone, but I use Amsteel for a Linesman's belt and love it (I've used it for several years now). There are things to consider: 1-you'll have to use a larger diameter rope since Amsteel compresses (i.e., flattens) when used with a ropeman1, not an issue with ropeman2. I haven't had any issues using the larger size rope with ropeman1. 2- it tends to grab scaly barked trees (e.g., black cherry), but a rope cover fixes this problem. Even normal bark will grab, but I haven't had any major issues that have caused me to question using something better. 3- it does fray, but the larger ropes don't seem to fray as quickly, in my experience. I normally get 5 or 6 seasons out of mine before I consider changing the rope.
I'm sure I'll be admonished in some way, but it works for me...
 
Phaco said:
Shhh...don't tell anyone, but I use Amsteel for a Linesman's belt and love it (I've used it for several years now). There are things to consider: 1-you'll have to use a larger diameter rope since Amsteel compresses (i.e., flattens) when used with a ropeman1, not an issue with ropeman2. I haven't had any issues using the larger size rope with ropeman1. 2- it tends to grab scaly barked trees (e.g., black cherry), but a rope cover fixes this problem. Even normal bark will grab, but I haven't had any major issues that have caused me to question using something better. 3- it does fray, but the larger ropes don't seem to fray as quickly, in my experience. I normally get 5 or 6 seasons out of mine before I consider changing the rope.
I'm sure I'll be admonished in some way, but it works for me...
Click to expand...

5 - 6 seasons, Nice! What size Amsteel did you go up to? What kind of rope cover? I'm assuming you're not using a Ropeman without the cover on?
 
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I have not found a good way to safely use amsteel for either. I strongly discourage you from using amsteel with any ropeman, it is so far out of spec for both of those. Sure it may work most of the time but if something goes south I wouldn't want to find out what happens.
 
I’m not going to get into the safety aspect of amsteel because if it’s strong enough for a bridge it will work for anything else. Not sure I would use it with a ropeman in any application. You could do a whoopie sling type configuration for adjustment and possibly make both ends adjustable for use as a tether but there would be a lot of fiddle factor in your adjustments that I feel make it less desirable. If I used a tether hook up like John E I would probably use amsteel but I don’t think there is enough of a weight or bulk savings to get away from a good climbing rope. I could save weight and bulk by getting rid of about 3 feet on each my linesmans and tether and they would work for 90 percent of my setups but feel it’s worth carrying for that other ten percent.
 
Phaco said:
Shhh...don't tell anyone, but I use Amsteel for a Linesman's belt and love it (I've used it for several years now). There are things to consider: 1-you'll have to use a larger diameter rope since Amsteel compresses (i.e., flattens) when used with a ropeman1, not an issue with ropeman2. I haven't had any issues using the larger size rope with ropeman1. 2- it tends to grab scaly barked trees (e.g., black cherry), but a rope cover fixes this problem. Even normal bark will grab, but I haven't had any major issues that have caused me to question using something better. 3- it does fray, but the larger ropes don't seem to fray as quickly, in my experience. I normally get 5 or 6 seasons out of mine before I consider changing the rope.
I'm sure I'll be admonished in some way, but it works for me...
Click to expand...

Wouldn't using a rope cover essentially put you back at the weight/bulk of a standard climbing rope? That's what they are - a core with a sheath for protection...
 
You will also find a bunch of post saying a linesmans belt is a work positioning aid and not fall protection. With that mindset it seems as if anything would work for a linesmans rope. There are enough of us on here that have taken a fall and we’re caught by their linesmans belt to justify using climbing rated stuff for it too.
 
I have a handful of guys I hunt with that use amsteel tethers (hang on guys/rock harnesses). I've seen some in use for a decade that are slightly worn but still holding up fine. But they don't have a way to adjust them, as we'd need. You figure that out you could be in business. I care about weight, this just hasn't been a factor worth considering yet on tether/lineman's for me.
 
LSCB1N-2.jpg


I came across this I thought I'd throw out there for a linemans belt... Its 1" webbing strap (also comes in 1 1/2" and 2" with a stainless steel cam buckle.. I'm thinking this shouldn't be too heavy and also much less bulky.. I'd like the climbing rope idea with Splices but (a. I've heard splicing is a PIA and or b. buying already spliced rope is expensive).. I'd probablly stick with a climbing rope Tether but for a linesman's belt wouldn't something like what's pictured work?? Anyone ever tried using a webbing strap like this for a lineman's belt.. Cam buckles are pretty standard in the deer woods.. Thoughts..
 
I bought 7/16 amsteel and a ropeman 1 will not hold with 230lb load on it. If I manually crush the ropeman 1 it grabs, but the rope gets ugly looking pretty quickly. I was going to use this for a tether, but not after 2min of testing them together. The ropeman 1 seemed to grab 1/4" much better, but you can see where it could slide past the teeth, hence my ordering the larger diameter the ropeman 1 was intended to be used on.
 
I would never use asmteel as a tether. I am a huge gram weenie, until it comes to safety. Ya'll do you and stay safe.
 
The Papa Files 7 said:
LSCB1N-2.jpg


I came across this I thought I'd throw out there for a linemans belt... Its 1" webbing strap (also comes in 1 1/2" and 2" with a stainless steel cam buckle.. I'm thinking this shouldn't be too heavy and also much less bulky.. I'd like the climbing rope idea with Splices but (a. I've heard splicing is a PIA and or b. buying already spliced rope is expensive).. I'd probablly stick with a climbing rope Tether but for a linesman's belt wouldn't something like what's pictured work?? Anyone ever tried using a webbing strap like this for a lineman's belt.. Cam buckles are pretty standard in the deer woods.. Thoughts..
Click to expand...
I've used something very similar (lone wolf strap) as a belt. Definitely works, but it never saw a fall, and I'm glad it didnt.

If you like webbing, I'd encourage you to grab a couple of HSS linemans belts. 2" webbing wit in a lot stronger buckle. Definitely safer.
 
I have a hard enough time looking at that thin amsteel bridge - no way in hell, even though I know it is sufficient, I could feel comfortable using it a as a tether. I need a beefier looking rope for my mental sanity when I am staring at it all hunt.

Amsteel for a lineman's would bother me if it held knots better (Prussic) didn't crush down (ropeman) as it is, I use the Samson ultratek (smaller size) with a ropeman 1 (I know its not rated for it but it holds it well)
 
My treehooper belt has a hollow braided rope similar to amsteel just larger. It is configured in a whoopie sling like fashion. It works ok but requires two hands to adjust and I adjust my linesmans every almost every step climbing. Using stepps with aiders I usually adjust it twice for every stepp. It’s hard to beat a good rope and ropeman1 for ease and simplicity while climbing.
 
Phaco said:
Shhh...don't tell anyone, but I use Amsteel for a Linesman's belt and love it (I've used it for several years now). There are things to consider: 1-you'll have to use a larger diameter rope since Amsteel compresses (i.e., flattens) when used with a ropeman1, not an issue with ropeman2. I haven't had any issues using the larger size rope with ropeman1. 2- it tends to grab scaly barked trees (e.g., black cherry), but a rope cover fixes this problem. Even normal bark will grab, but I haven't had any major issues that have caused me to question using something better. 3- it does fray, but the larger ropes don't seem to fray as quickly, in my experience. I normally get 5 or 6 seasons out of mine before I consider changing the rope.
I'm sure I'll be admonished in some way, but it works for me...
Click to expand...
Are you still using this method to climb and living to tell about, lol? Everyone is advising me against amsteel teather and linemans rope.
 
phatkaw said:
Add me to your list.
Click to expand...
Thank you. Looking for feedback from Phaco, but if I dont hear anything, i will take it to mean his amsteel tether broke and he plummeted to ground somewhere in the woods never to be heard from again? Just curious if any one stickers using an amsteel rope mod to climb the tree with 100% of their weight on catch as much grief? I have 9.5mm canyon elite for rappelling and will keep using ascent as well for time being. Just looking for somethinf eaiser to advance and reduce slack in my system.
 
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