Archaic Set-up

[TC3]

My brother came up with this rig for me from an old saddle I had that was given to me. As a safety expert, it quietly irks him that I free climb. He has learned (through his own training) that steering a person towards better productivity is a method of disguised lecturing on safety... Gawd luv 'im !!! But it kinda worked. He's got me set up with an ultra-basic way of climbing safe.
Thought you'd get a kick out of these photos !
First priority in the spring for me is replacing the screw-gate 'biners... they're confusing.

[MasterBlaster]

Ain't nothing wrong with that!

[RIVERRAT]

Those O'l Sling saddles can be very comfy for some folks. They are very easy to get in & out of.

One word of caution. With out the strap that joins the sling to your leg, one can very quickly be wearing that saddle up under your arm pits.
As long as one is aware of this they are a very usable work saddle.

[TC3]

Thanks for the input, Jeff (& Butch !!!).
My other photos won't upload... p.c. issue.
But I really do find the screw gate 'biners confusing >>> It's really easy to think they're closed when they're actually all the way open. Must remedy that.

[stehansen]

I used one of those type saddles when I first started. Mine did have a couple of D-rings on the belt.

[JonnyHart]

So it only has 2 Ds?
Can't really tie in with a climbing line and use a lanyard at the same time. Plus those 2 D's aren't really designed for use with a lanyard, though it can be done.

[NeTree]

Not a bad rig for someone a little more, eh... petite, such as yourself.

I agree, ditch the screw-gates.

[Frans]

:thumbup:

[MasterBlaster]

I used one of those type saddles when I first started.



So it only has 2 Ds?
Can't really tie in with a climbing line and use a lanyard at the same time. Plus those 2 D's aren't really designed for use with a lanyard, though it can be done.


Dang, I didn't notice that! WTH saddle doesn't have side dees? What did you do about that, Frans?

[No_Bivy]

relic....ditch it:(

[Stumper]

Long ago I climbed on a 2D saddle- and I used a lanyard. A spreader snap betwixt the D's and then lanyarded into the D's- It worked but it is a long way from ideal.
Teresa, If we may ask..Why don't you get a good basic saddle? I am happy to see you use that old 2D in lieu of freeclimbing but a nice lightweight 3D or 4D saddle could be a lot lighter and more comfy and thus more fun to use and that would encourage you to use it always.

[treelooker]

looks exactly like my saddle except for lack of side D's.

Why use a biner instead of a snap?

[No_Bivy]

soon as the new Petzls are out you can have my navahoe. way better then that buckle style thingy.

[Frans]

Huh! At first I didn't notice the lack of side Ds.

I was just happy that TC finally got a saddle.


Now that we know that TC is willing to wear a saddle, should we have a Raffle to see who gets to give her one?

No_Bivy went first, I might let go of one of mine...


But who will decide which one she gets?

[Paul B]

Long ago I climbed on a 2D saddle- and I used a lanyard. A spreader snap betwixt the D's and then lanyarded into the D's- It worked but it is a long way from ideal.


Thats the one you sent me way back Stumper, wish I still had it I would have sent it to TC if she woulda used it. I agree though if you can find a decent weaver for a decent price, giver. 50 feet of rope, a lanyard, 3 or four biners, a split tail (or not) and you will be climbing mucho safer than freeclimbing.

[brendonv]

TC, pm sent.

[brendonv]

Nevermind, your PMs are full..



I've got an Master 2 saddle I will never touch again. Used 1 season a couple times a week if that.

Interested, on me.

[brendonv]

:D

[MasterBlaster]

I'm interested!!!

[Monkeywithasaw]

ive got a navaho i dont wear anymore and a glide if you want it TC3

[Frans]

Brendonv, it looks like from the picture that you have just finished using that saddle as a tow rope? Why is it hooked up to the ball hitch?
:P

[RIVERRAT]

Why is it hooked up to the ball hitch?
:P
He must have just finished reading the portion of Jerry's book. Where he states some saddles could be used to pull a truck out of a ditch:lol:

[brendonv]

Brendonv, it looks like from the picture that you have just finished using that saddle as a tow rope? Why is it hooked up to the ball hitch?
:P


I wanted to test the strength just to make sure it was still safe.:D

[Frans]

I wanted to test the strength just to make sure it was still safe.:D

Typical way of thinking for a tree man! :D :thumbup:

[top hopper]

Wish I could help, I just sent a saddle to Ryan a few months back....

other than that all Ive got is my TreeMotion, my Butterfly, and my Newtribe.

A guys gotta have 3 saddles..... no?


Lemme see if i can dig something up. Anything that has 4 ds is better than that thing. Although it sure is alot safer than freeclimbing!!!

[top hopper]

ive got a navaho i dont wear anymore and a glide if you want it TC3




Go for the glide TC!

[TC3]

Fact is, I'm happy with what I've got.
I know it's hard to conceive of... but the set-up I showed you all is miles above what I had.
KMS was merely trying (desperately) to show me that there are better ways.
I know there are better ways. But show me faster, more efficient ways ? >>> I doubt it.
I want to arrive alive, just like anybody else.
I simply do not have the time & $$$ it takes to climb ultra-safe.

[MasterBlaster]

Fact is, I'm happy with what I've got.


What do you have? I thought you free climbed. :?

[Stumper]

But show me faster, more efficient ways ? >>> I doubt it.
I want to arrive alive, just like anybody else.
I simply do not have the time & $$$ it takes to climb ultra-safe.

T, I wouldn't hit a girl. but if you were a guy you could just imagine getting thumped on the head as I say "Wrong wrong wrong boy. Doing it right doesn't take longer. It makes it faster and safer. Pay attention!"

[pantheraba]

Fact is, I'm happy with what I've got.... But show me faster, more efficient ways ? >>> I doubt it.
I want to arrive alive, just like anybody else.
I simply do not have the time & $$$ it takes to climb ultra-safe.

TC, I saw (and heard) an ankle snap from a six INCH fall...a girl slid down a slight rock outcropping, ankle rolled over a protruding rock and we had to carry her TOO far to get help. I saw another girl break hers from a one foot drop from a horizontal ladder (jungle gym) on an obstacle course.

Your climbing may be a bit slower at first but the safety procedures will get to be second nature quickly. Plus, you owe it to your kids to be disciplined enough to not take chances you don't have to take...your kids count on you to make good decisions..just like you count on them to do the same.

Imagine you take a fall without safety gear, get hurt badly, and you are in the hospital bed facing a 12 month convalescence...these words will haunt you:

I simply do not have the time & $$$ it takes to climb ultra-safe.

Be smart, girl...you have these dudes offering you some great gear. They (we) like you and want you to be safe. Don't let us down.

[top hopper]

I want to arrive alive, just like anybody else.
I simply do not have the time & $$$ it takes to climb ultra-safe.

Probably the most foolish thing Ive ever heard one say.....

So what DO you have time and $$$ for?

[MasterBlaster]

That IS a pretty wack thing to say, Theresa.

[top hopper]

I'm short on time....

I"ll race you to the grave?

[TC3]

I'm going to keep doing it this way.
Sorry.

[MasterBlaster]

Well alrighty then. Don't scold me when I post a pic of me getting THREE logs to bend over. ;)

[Chisel Tooth]

Easy girl your friends are just trying to look out for you. I/we understand that you have to do what you have to do but, there are people here that are willing to help. This is what family is about.
See Ya
Mike

[top hopper]

Dont apologize to us. It'll be YOUR family greiving your loss or injury.

Cmon Teresa, wise up!!

How much time and money does it take? You have a saddle and the offer for a better one for free. Dont be to proud to accept the help.

All you need now is a short rope, and lanyard.

I dont think your brother would take to kindly to your position on the matter, would he?



Im not trying to beat you up on the matter, but just get you to see the big picture. This will be the last I bring it up.

[Skwerl]

I think Theresa is a lot smarter than all us dumb tree climbers. She can do it faster and smarter than us without all that stupid gear. And she won't fall or hurt herself, so the safety gear would be a waste of time and money.

:P

[top hopper]

Fact is, I'm happy with what I've got.
I know it's hard to conceive of... but the set-up I showed you all is miles above what I had.
KMS was merely trying (desperately) to show me that there are better ways.
I know there are better ways. But show me faster, more efficient ways ? >>> I doubt it.
I want to arrive alive, just like anybody else.
I simply do not have the time & $$$ it takes to climb ultra-safe.


Ok I know i said I was done, but after I saw this in another thread, I had to point it out.



Careful, there are "safety nazis" among us >>> whoops, I'm one of 'em !



So which is it Teresa? :what:

:/:

[stehansen]

I think that it only slows down productivity for a little while during the learning process. After that you get more work done because when you are tied in you can concentrate on working instead of concentrating on not falling. Plus you now have two hands available for working because your not using one of them to hold on.

[pantheraba]

Very well stated, Steve. I read a great quote on this site about safety..."Concentrate on what you are doing, not where you are doing it".

Being safetied-in lets one concentrate on the job, not on trying not to fall.

[Paul B]

cant afford safety gear? I have seen I think three T-housers offer you a saddle for little or no $$. I am glad I use my safety stuff, I dont do big trees but I do what I do in a reasonably safe manner as best as I can.

6 or 8 feet off the ground, a handsaw and a lanyard. I know, no helmet but there was nothing above me and I needed the extra thick knit cap, it was cold! :)

[MasterBlaster]

Being safetied-in lets one concentrate on the job, not on trying not to fall.


PLUS it gives you something to hang your handsaw on!

[Monkeywithasaw]

plus learning to climb in a modern saddle is easier to change to different climbing styles and setups.Im not asking for any money just need to know the one box up and where to sent it

[RIVERRAT]

I know, no helmet but there was nothing above me and I needed the extra thick knit cap, it was cold! :)

No dogging on you Paul. But just FYI a helmet is as much for fall protection as a rope & saddle. It took me a while to find one that would fit just my fat head along with a hooded fleece or sock hat.

[FJR]

It is so refreshing to see the amount of help offered and how genuine you all are. What an opportunity. TC3 you have every reason in the world to except the offer and not one good reason to reject it.

Lets think about the most important benefits of a saddle:
1. It will keep you alive
2. It will make you more efficient
3. It will make you more money
4. It will open up a whole new toolbox to use on many different situations

It seems like you are scared to learn something new.

[RIVERRAT]

Just HARD HEADED:big-cigar:

[Monkeywithasaw]

you can lead a mule to water but you cant make them drink

[Stumper]

True, but you can feed him some salt before leading to him to the water.....

[OTGBOSTON]

It is so refreshing to see the amount of help offered and how genuine you all are. What an opportunity. TC3 you have every reason in the world to except the offer and not one good reason to reject it.

Lets think about the most important benefits of a saddle:
1. It will keep you alive
2. It will make you more efficient
3. It will make you more money
4. It will open up a whole new toolbox to use on many different situations

It seems like you are scared to learn something new.

5. with a saddle, and lanyard, and a length of rope, she'll be able to climb trees that are "unfreeclimable"8)

[Frans]

Jeez, ease up on the poor girl. She is starting the process after all.

I give her a big thumbs up!

[TC3]

Part of me was playing Devil's Advocate, and speaking to the many climbers out there that know how to do it safer & just don't.
Part of it speaks for me & my own pratices >>> climbing safe(r) really does take time & money >>> Am I wrong ?
What DOES it take for people to climb safer ? Volunteering equipment ? Maybe... and thank you very kindly & sincerely to the people who stepped-up. I am humbled by this... & NOT too proud to accept it... It was an experiment.
The free climbing I do in a season that is over 25' can be counted on one hand, and I'm usually not shy to call in help.
Thank you for the reponses. I'tll be handy info, and I don't take it lightly.
There are over 80 tree care co.'s listed in my county alone, & that's just in the Yellow Book.
I am the butthead that stepped up. There are 100 more in your immediate area, and you can't just drive up to their job sites & start bawling them out.
So what's the solution ???
Yes, I am the Safety Nazi. I am also a real person with limited resources that would like to see people in our industry that rely on this for a living to have REAL options on working safer.
Start more threads for new climbers. Give them a BASIC list of equipment & how to use it. The more confusing it is, the less likey that a person will follow through.
Visuals are essential >>> show people how to do it right. Please take the time to post pix.
Thankyou, Housers, for showing me what you're about.
"Free" ads are FREE in your local papers. Offer to show climbers / treeworkers in your area how to do things safe. A simple signed waiver will release you from liability. It'd be nice to make some $$$ on the deal >>> that will come.
Thank you all.

[Frans]

tc, your post is great and all, but the bottom line is you now have a free tottaly up to date saddle for free from your TreeHouse brethren.

Accept it, use it, learn how it makes your job easier, and get on past this.

You have been 'stepping over this puddle' for a long time now.


PS: to those of you who are going to donate a free saddle to TC3, I will give 25 dollars to the one who actually sends a saddle to her.

Hummm, 25 bucks sounds kind of cheap, but it is a token.


I will supply a free flip line, with micro adjuster and biner....

But TC, YOU must make the effort and take us, the TH family's offer to heart.

O.K.?

[OTGBOSTON]

tc, your post is great and all, but the bottom line is you now have a free tottaly up to date saddle for free from your TreeHouse brethren.

Accept it, use it, learn how it makes your job easier, and get on past this.

You have been 'stepping over this puddle' for a long time now.


PS: to those of you who are going to donate a free saddle to TC3, I will give 25 dollars to the one who actually sends a saddle to her.

Hummm, 25 bucks sounds kind of cheap, but it is a token.


I will supply a free flip line, with micro adjuster and biner....

But TC, YOU must make the effort and take us, the TH family's offer to heart.

O.K.?

I'll add free instruction at http://bostontreeclimbers.ning.com/ and a free place to stay, just get yourself to Boston, we are doing great things here and my wife is used to treeclimbers from around the USA sleeping in our guest bedroom. This goes for all Treehousers........:thumbup:

[Paul B]

good vibes in the house tonight. well done people. :)

[Frans]

The offers(s) are serious

[Paul B]

I dont doubt it, I am honest when I am thinking that good vibes are around the TH. Stumper sent me my first saddle a few years ago, it was an unprovoked act of kindness and I appreciated it then and still do. I think its great that some of us are able to and do offer goods or knowledge to better each others work practices and productiveness. :)

[MasterBlaster]

Hell yeah! :beer:

[brendonv]

My offer was serious. She just has to pick her poison.

[FJR]

So do we just cross our fingers now?

Dang brendon you gotta be up early if its 6:15 here!

Edit: And I just noticed I am retarded! Wow I shouldn't talk before I wake up.

[MasterBlaster]

And if she doesn't want it I do, but something tells me you aren't a "LG."


My offer was serious. She just has to pick her poison.

[brendonv]

I am a smaller pup. Didn't you just get a new saddle anywho?

[MasterBlaster]

Sorta. I just wanted to experiment with a fixed dee saddle.