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Mechanical Friction Devices
A new wave of mechanical friction devices bring ultimate control to arborist climbing systems. These devices can be used to replace friction hitches in Doubled Rope climbing systems for smoothly-controlled ascents and descents. The Unicender has the additional flexibility of being excellent for use on Single Rope climbing systems. These devices are more expensive than a traditional friction hitch using a prusik or split tail but for competition or high-production level climbers, they offer great benefits in speed and control. Click on any of the "More Info" links below to learn more.
Singing Tree Rope Wrench ZK-2
The Rope Wrench ZK-2 friction device allows climbers to ascend, descend and work the tree “Single Rope” with their favorite friction hitch. While the Rope Wrench ZK-2 is not for use as your life support device, it places a bend in your climbing line and takes just enough pressure off your hitch, allowing you to climbing on your friction hitch SRT with greater ease. Improved version in 2012 with aluminum frame, integrated pulley, swinging sideplates, and smaller profile.
Stiffy Tether for Rope Wrench
The Stiffy is a semi-rigid tether built to work perfectly with the new ZK-2 Rope Wrench from Singing Tree. The Stiffy is formed by sewing doubled Sterling 5/16” cord leaving 2 tight eyes in a stiff, 10” tether.
RopeTek Hitch Hiker
The Hitch Hiker incorporates a steel friction device with your hitch cord to produce a great device for hybrid tree climbing systems. The Hitch Hiker advances smoothly and engages instantly when weighted, with easy slack tending, and may be used in double or single rope systems.
Petzl Zigzag Mechanical Prusik
RECALL NOTICE for the Petzl Zigzag
Petzl has issued a recall for the Petzl Zigzag. Please read the Petzl Zigzag Recall Notice and FAQ, and contact Petzl America to return your Zigzag or inquire further: zigzagrecall@petzl.com or 877-807-3805.
The Zigzag mechanical prusik for arborists combines all the individual pieces of gear being used in doubled rope climbing into one slick device. The Zigzag functions like a prusik, slack tending pulley, and swivel all in one.
Friction is managed by running the climbing line through the linked "zig-zag" pattern of rings. The top ring is a lever, and pushing down on this lever releases pressure in the rings, and the climber descends - just like using a prusik cord. Release the lever and the Zigzag jams, stopping descent. The climber has control over the rate of descent through varying the pressure on the Zigzag lever.
Climbing on the Petzl Zigzag is just like climbing on your prusik and pulley, but with all of your hardware integrated into a single mechanical prusik.
Unicender
The Unicender can replace friction hitches, figure 8s, and ascenders! In the doubled rope technique, the Unicender can be used as a mechanical split tail in place of a friction hitch. Because of the ease with which it advances in this configuration, it makes any rope climbing technique easier and faster. In the single rope technique, the Unicender takes the place of both ascenders and descender. Works on 7/16” to 1/2” lines.
Lockjack Sport
The Lockjack can totally replace the friction hitches used on climbing lines. The Lockjack works as both an ascender and as a descender for self-belay in the doubled rope technique (DdRT). The advantage of the Lockjack is that friction is applied to the rope with a smooth aluminum surface which causes less friction while climbing for an effortless advance, and a smoother more easily controlled descent. While climbing, the Lockjack tends slack by itself as the weight of rope below the climber pulls the line through the device. Works with 1/2” rope.
Designed for use with Petzl Am’D Carabiners M18 (CAR101) or M21 (CAR102). Use with a small D or Oval carabiner only. A larger carabiner may allow the wooden ball to pass through and become stuck, resulting in free fall.
Spiderjack 2.1
The newest innovation from ART (Advanced Ropeclimbing Technology), the Spiderjack is an improvement of the popular Lockjack. By allowing slack in the line above to fall through the device with even less friction, the Spiderjack makes ascents in the doubled rope technique even easier. In addition, the Spiderjack also allows finer control over friction during descents, making tasks such as limb walking even easier by permitting the user to vary friction more subtly than before. Smooth friction surface. Carabiners and rope sold separately.
Works with 7/16” - 1/2” rope. Designed for use with Petzl Am’D M18 (CAR101) or M21 (CAR102).
Spiderjack 2.1 with DyneemaKit (Dyneema Strap)
The popular Spiderjack 2.1 from ART (Advanced Ropeclimbing Technology) is now available with the mounted DyneemaKit (included). The Dyneema sling is attached on the body of the device with a lower ring to be attached onto the carabiner (before climbing, always verify that the ring of the DyneemaKit is connected onto your carabiner!). On the other end of the sling, you can attach a carabiner for the spliced end of your rope. The DyneemaKit allows you to change the climbing system much more easily than before when climbing with more than one rope and anchor point. Carabiners and rope sold separately.
Works with 7/16” - 1/2” rope. Designed for use with Petzl Am’D M18 (CAR101) or M21 (CAR102).