Danger of the Hand Climber Method

[Aeds151]

I dont believe I have seen this discussed. I just wanted to bring it to attention that while using a “hand climber” method, it is possible that the climber portion can break, slip, or fall (like all methods). My concern is having your hands between the rope tether and the tree as you move it up. If the climber platform should fail, your tether will cinch to the tree. Just make sure your hands are not between the two as this could cause severe injury as your hand could be stuck with your body weight trapping your hand. Just beware how you grab your rope as you climb.


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[Treehopper2]

I dont believe I have seen this discussed. I just wanted to bring it to attention that while using a “hand climber” method, it is possible that the climber portion can break, slip, or fall (like all methods). My concern is having your hands between the rope tether and the tree as you move it up. If the climber platform should fail, your tether will cinch to the tree. Just make sure your hands are not between the two as this could cause severe injury as your hand could be stuck with your body weight trapping your hand. Just beware how you grab your rope as you climb.

I posted this same concern with the one sick method. It hasn’t happened to me yet but there is the possibility of getting your hands/fingers trapped between the
tether & tree if the climbing method where to fail
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[noxninja]

If they did...could you not put your feet against the tree and push off enough to free your hands?

 

[Treehopper2]

If they did...could you not put your feet against the tree and push off enough to free your hands?

All depends on how far your hands are in between the rope and tree I think. If it’s just your finger tips you should be able to use your feet to help free you but if some how your hands are trapped way into the rope that’s a problem.

 

[sureshotscott]

This is a legit concern. I've had the climber slip a couple times (most recently on a birch tree). So far have not had hand pinched, but could definitely see how it's possible.

 

[Scott F]

Keep a long(er) tail on your rope tether, assuming that you tied a knot vs an eye splice.
Hold the tether 'tail' to lift it higher.

 

[Murph4028]

I just had this happen the other day. Didn't seem like a big deal at all

 

[rutjr]

I kinda shake in the climber to make sure it's got a bite before I move my tether, I guess it's from using my Viper for all those years. Haven't had an issue.