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Quick question (one sticking)

jsh909

Well-Known Member
Sep 24, 2022
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330
63
Ohio
Quick question for those of you who one stick using a friction hitch as opposed to a mechanical device and also use your rappel rope as your tether.

Do you put anything below your hitch as a stop? Before I started one sticking and used a short tether, I always had a stopper knot near the end of the tether in the event my schwabisch failed or slipped. But now that I use my rappel rope as my tether, I don't have a stopper knot. Just curious as to what others are doing, if anything?
 

ketch22

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Oct 17, 2021
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I used this and worked well in the way up without an auto block but on the way down my swabisch wouldn’t lock up when trying to stop take my platform off. But it was a bit too big for my rope so I hopped back on my stick and platform and switched to my 8. I’m going to order appropriate cords and try again.
 

jsh909

Well-Known Member
Sep 24, 2022
293
330
63
Ohio
Sorry I should have been more clear. I wasn't talking about rappelling. I use a figure 8 and my schwabisch for that.

I am literally just talking about while hanging at hunting height while using the rappel rope only as a tether. At that point are you using any safety below the hitch in the event of it slipping on the rope. Not talking about ascending or rappelling, just hanging while hunting.
 

phatkaw

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Feb 23, 2021
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Western Pa
I don't hunt off of my rappel rope but I do think you have a good plan.
A simple in-line knot of some kind would work for peace of mind or a slip off your platform...
 
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drpike22

Active Member
Jan 13, 2023
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New Jersey
I use an auto block on the rope below the bridge and connect it with a carabiner to my lineman's belt loop or a secondary bridge. The auto block is easy to release or remove and provides secondary security. Other friction hitches work but may not be as easy operate.
 
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drpike22

Active Member
Jan 13, 2023
143
147
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New Jersey
I have a Guide ATC that I really like but it is not as convenient as the Gri Gri I use most often. The Guide Atc lets me advance up the rope easily and holds position securely when in guide mode but does not allow for easy downward adjustments. The Gri Gri or similar devices allow for much easier adjustment to position without having to remove a carabiner. If you forget to install the carabiner in the position needed for a rappel and you remove the guide mode carabiner you will have a serious problem without some sort of friction hitch back-up. Just my experience.
 
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jsh909

Well-Known Member
Sep 24, 2022
293
330
63
Ohio
Thanks, I don't use any sort of mechanical device, but may consider an auto block to my lineman's loop of some sort of one line knot is not an option.
 

GreginPA

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Apr 10, 2020
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Yup - I tie an alpine butterfly also and put it on my bridge carabiner. works great
 
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boyne bowhunter

Moderator
Staff member
SH Member
Aug 17, 2016
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NW Michigan
Here is what I did when I was hanging off the Madrock on my rappel rope. There's no reason you couldn't do this below a friction knot. Best part is it comes out easy when you get ready to rappel (forward to the 10:15 mark of the same video for release of the knot).

 
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jsh909

Well-Known Member
Sep 24, 2022
293
330
63
Ohio
Here is what I did when I was hanging off the Madrock on my rappel rope. There's no reason you couldn't do this below a friction knot. Best part is it comes out easy when you get ready to rappel (forward to the 10:15 mark of the same video for release of the knot).

Thanks that will do as well. I appreciate it
 
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Nohvah

Member
Oct 31, 2021
85
72
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48
Quick question for those of you who one stick using a friction hitch as opposed to a mechanical device and also use your rappel rope as your tether.

Do you put anything below your hitch as a stop? Before I started one sticking and used a short tether, I always had a stopper knot near the end of the tether in the event my schwabisch failed or slipped. But now that I use my rappel rope as my tether, I don't have a stopper knot. Just curious as to what others are doing, if anything?

If I don't use my Safeguard (which always wins any testing for convenience while climbing) and use a friction or an 8 (yes to ascend), I always have another friction on my hip on the tail end of my rappel rope which is always my tether. I do not use a backup friction when using safeguard, but I do put a bite/stopper knot on the tail end with it once I'm at hunting height.
 

ketch22

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Oct 17, 2021
738
1,398
93
If I don't use my Safeguard (which always wins any testing for convenience while climbing) and use a friction or an 8 (yes to ascend), I always have another friction on my hip on the tail end of my rappel rope which is always my tether. I do not use a backup friction when using safeguard, but I do put a bite/stopper knot on the tail end with it once I'm at hunting height.

I’ve only ever seen one video on using an 8 to ascend, I’d love to see how you do it if you could post something.