Primal step cleat

[mattdenney07]

Maybe a bad idea, but I’m looking for input and suggestions.

Had the idea that a clam cleat installed on a primal/WE step with a small diameter rope might work out and be a fast way to set up

Just testing at ground level for now, but if it works out I’m going to replace it with a stainless cleat with some stronger line. The cleat installed in the pictures was borrowed from my kayak and installed with stainless hardware. The rope pictured is 1100 lb paracord. Some small diameter climbing accessory cord would probably be better, but as I said I’m just testing at ground level for now. Works great on a 2x8 in my garage and easily supports a load.

The end goal is to combine a primal/WE step that’s easy to set up with a 3 step sewn webbing aider for a kind of a “one stick” climbing method. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m cheap and I have steps on hand, plus I’m pretty handy with a sewing machine.

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[FrankNess14]

That’s interesting! With the DIY Primal Platform you’d have a very small all in one package. I look forward to seeing more.


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[Letemgrowitllshow]

Stepp mod... Not for the faint of heart

I felt bad doing this to the Stepp, it just didn't feel right...lol I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I struggle with the tightening and loosening of the stepp knot. This setup needs more testing but it worked fine. Took my jumping on it for 30 seconds or so (260 lbs). They still stack...

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This is as far as I've seen anyone go with the idea...

 

[mattdenney07]

That’s interesting! With the DIY Primal Platform you’d have a very small all in one package. I look forward to seeing more.


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That’s the idea at least. Primal step, aider, and small diy platform for climbing method. I’m only about 155 lbs and have a pretty extensive rock climbing background, so it should be pretty ideal. Couple that with rappelling to get down and it should maintain a good level of safety as well.


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[pesqimon]

My thought, you still have to secure the tag end of the rope to be really sure it won't pop out of the cleat at the wrong time. At that point, aren't you really close to the original WE knot, in terms of time and maneuvering?

 

[DConnorsIndy]

Nice, On to something here - What type of cleat is that?


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[mattdenney07]

Nice, On to something here - What type of cleat is that?


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I know it as either a clam cleat or a jam cleat


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[mattdenney07]

Not the greatest photo, but I made a permanently sewn 3-step aider today. Climbed up to 15 feet or so today just to test everything out and it worked great. I can climb about 5 feet at a time while “one sticking” with this setup. Looking forward to getting some time in with it!

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[Buckkillr]

I added a diy vrs button and a platform, then used my left over hawk straps. Got probably 10-12 sits on them and doing well

 

[KYHunter]

what is the weight rating for the cleat, hardware and the rope that you’re using?

 

[bj139]

Not the greatest photo, but I made a permanently sewn 3-step aider today. Climbed up to 15 feet or so today just to test everything out and it worked great. I can climb about 5 feet at a time while “one sticking” with this setup. Looking forward to getting some time in with it!

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Nice idea. I want to try this.
"One Stepping"

 

[Phaco]

If you carried a second step, you wouldn't have to hang and could just use a linesman rope...just step up to the second step at the top of your primal/WE, pull the primal/WE step up, and continue up.

 

[bj139]

If you carried a second step, you wouldn't have to hang and could just use a linesman rope...just step up to the second step at the top of your primal/WE, pull the primal/WE step up, and continue up.

I think it might be difficult to reach down below your feet to pull the first Primal step.

 

[mattsteg]

I think it might be difficult to reach down below your feet to pull the first Primal step.

And for safety you'd wanna tether in anyway

 

[mattdenney07]

Climbed with the step on a hunt for the first time today. “One stepping” really worked great. Initially set the step at about 6 ft off the ground. Getting on top was a breeze with the aider. Hooked up the tether, sat back in the saddle, un-cammed the step, and with the rope still in the cleat and around the tree, raised it up just beneath the tether and cammed it again. Climb and repeat. I made 5 moves and got up over 25 feet in just a few minutes. Saw a great 8 point but never got a shot. Around noon the wind really started kicking up, so I rappelled down (Munter hitch) and has everything wrapped back up in maybe 3-4 minutes. Super clean and light setup and I think I’m going to stick with it!


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[ScottL]

What rope did you end up going with?

 

[mattdenney07]

What rope did you end up going with?

Ended up using some 6mm accessory cord rated at 12kN. I weigh 150 lbs soaking wet so that’s plenty of insurance for me.


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[redsquirrel]

This is similar to @Red beards solo scout climbing method.

 

[mattdenney07]

This is similar to @Red beards solo scout climbing method.

And here I was thinking I was being innovative! That’s pretty much exactly what I’m doing.


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[mattdenney07]

Here’s the final (for now) product. Grade 8 1/4”-28 hardware secured by double nuts and locktite. Step, 6mm accessory cord, aider, and platform weight in at 3.5 lbs. I’ve used it a few times now and it’s such a light and practical solution!

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