Friction and Rope Saving Devices

Buckingham Friction Savers with Aluminum Rings

Friction savers offer minimal friction when working from different positions in the tree and can be wrapped around a stem for use as a false crotch where no natural crotch exists to run the line over. Friction savers also aid in keeping the slack out of your climbing line for added safety during your ascent. Buckingham friction savers are available with your choice of steel or aluminum rings (steel rings are stronger but aluminum rings are lighter and dissipate heat better.) The rings are of different sizes to aid retrieval of the friction saver from the ground. The strap is reinforced and stitched nylon webbing. Friction savers are available from 24” to 72” in length. Click here for Buckingham friction saver installation instructions.

Buckingham Friction Savers with Steel Rings

Friction savers with steel rings work just like those above, but with greater durability (and weight).

Friction Saver Prusik

Made from 3/8” Tenex, the Friction Saver Prusik will make any Friction Saver adjustable in size. Colors may vary.

Leather Cambium Saver

This device protects the rope completely from contact with the bark by running the rope through the leather tube. This device has the advantage of being inexpensive, and allows the rope to run over a larger bend radius. The leather cambium savers provide more friction than the Rope Guide or Buckingham friction savers. Opening diameter 1”. (Works best with ropes 1/2” or smaller.)

Leather 3/4” Cambium Saver

Are you wearing out your ropes in natural crotch rigging? This jumbo-sized cambium saver protects rigging ropes up to 3/4” from abrasion with the trunk of the tree. This device protects the rope completely from contact with the bark by running the rope through the leather tube. A great way to prolong rope life in natural crotch rigging.

Opening diameter 1 1/4”. (Works best with ropes 3/4” or smaller.)

For the ultimate low-friction rigging setup, see our False Crotch Rigging Kits.

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Pulleysaver New in 2012!

The Pulleysaver is a system for saving friction on ropes, which can be used in many configurations and greatly aids working the tree. The attachment as anchor point on a tree can be implemented in four different configurations, depending on the specific application: as swinging element in a double leg configuration, as chock hitch, wound around in a double leg configuration, or narrowed in a double leg configuration. Easily retrieved from the ground.

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WesSpur Saver New in 2012!

We've made an affordable and easy-to-use new wave friction saver that can be used in the same method as the Pulleysaver shown above, but is easier to retrieve and use. Available with either a Pinto Rig Pulley or 26mm DMM ring on a moveable prusik. The rope portion of the WesSpur Saver is 15' in length.

SMC Flex Saver New in 2012!

The SMC FLEX was originally designed for the demanding Technical Fire Rescue market as a canvas replacement, and it works great for tree climbers to protect anchor ropes. The FLEX can be used in a multitude of configurations when you need to preserve your ropes or a surface. Use a stand-alone FLEX or connect multiple FLEX pads with the FLEX Clips.

The FLEX Kit includes two FLEX pads and two FLEX Clips, which will allow you to connect the FLEX pads together to provide increased surface area.

Dimensions for each pad are 16" x 8" x .4". Weighs 4.5oz per sheet.

SMC Rope Tracker New in 2012!

Secure, capture, protect, and manage multiple ropes. Hi-durability plastic channels retain ropes up to 16mm. Can bend up to 90 degrees, and has 4 eyelets to secure the tracker. Measures 20" x 3.5" x 1". Weighs 14.5oz.

ART Rope Guide 2010

Smooth rope work and special care for the cambium join forces in this outstanding device. The Rope Guide 2010 is very light, and ropes run effortlessly in it. The Rope Guide must be set by hand, but may be retrieved remotely (this is greatly aided with the Double Snapper). The new ring is 50% lighter than a solid ring and still achieves comparable stability as well as much enhanced safety. The rope now runs protected within the tube-shaped ring - and it might sound strange but it is true: the rope enhances the breaking strength of the ring and vice versa! The contact surface is 8 mm parallel sewn double rope makes which combines the strength and advantages of rope with a wider contact surface.

Right behind the tube shaped ring there is now a small "fender" built in. The fender allows for the ring to align vertically when pulled from a forked branch, which makes for an easy gliding even through smaller forks. Release lever: The longer lever now allows for an easy release of the locking cam when pulled, as with the Positioner 2. This makes retrieving even easier and more reliable. Spring loaded cam: This feature prevents rope from accidental sliding.

Click here to download the Rope Guide 2010 Instructions.

ART Double Snapper 3

The Double Snapper is a specialized tool for use in retrieving the Rope Guide.

BuckBlocks

Designed to ease climbing, reduce premature wear on climbing lines and eliminate damage to tree limbs normally caused by excess friction! Allows the user to install the blocks high into a tree without climbing: the blocks are set, and removed, from the ground or another tree using a throw line and throw bag. Once set, the two part rope channel snaps together using powerful magnets inset within the system's self aligning frame. The design is lightweight, provides a better bend radius for rope and an improved running surface with its dual rotating sheaves.

Climbing BuckBlocks are designed to be used by an individual with a maximum weight of 350 lb. when fully equipped, Rigging Model has a manufacturer WLL of 3 Tons.

Sample picture of the BuckBlocks over a limb.

Petzl Treesbee

Petzl’s rope-saving device protects the tree and improves rope glide at the anchor, and can be retrieved from the ground. Wide webbing limits twisting. Triple thickness of termination on large ring side makes the webbing more rigid during retrieval. Strap with large diameter ring and quick link (triangle) for ropes with sewn terminations (the link opens to let the sewn termination through). Breaking strength: 23 kN (5,175 lb.)

Economy Friction Saver

A cheap and effective friction saver made from Samson 3-Strand Pro-Master 1/2”, a Petzl William autolocking carabiner, and the SMC aluminum ring. Easy to set from the ground.