Using a figure 8 for descending the tree - WesSpur's Niceguydave demonstrates a classic tool

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11 жыл бұрын

Many climbers are familiar with the figure 8 from their background in rock climbing, caving, or mountaineering. This classic tool has largely been replaced in tree work by Hybrid Work Positioning Devices. The figure 8 has the advantage of being inexpensive and compact, and some still like to use if for descending a stationary rope system. A figure 8 should always be backed up with a prusik.
Basic Installation of the figure 8 on the climbing rope 0:45
Descending the rope on a figure 8 1:36
Installing the figure 8 with prusik backup 3:00
All figure 8s and other descenders available at WesSpur:
www.wesspur.com/tree-climbing...

Пікірлер: 99

@felixzayas2024 Жыл бұрын

Love it

@L2FlyMN Жыл бұрын

Another benefit or advantage of using the Prusik, above your figure 8, besides the extra safety factor, is the locking feature when you’re working with both hands, previously, I was using the soft lock method, but it’s a pain to unlock under load, or when the rope spins on you.

@alexmelnua 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for useful video about the descender "Figure 8"! Have a great day and climb safe!

@koori3085 Жыл бұрын

Best clear explanation, was sure and trust myself, but as the saying goes, trust but verify! Thanks man!

@AMC-eq3jr Жыл бұрын

Prusik not required with a figure 9 device: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Zrufn5eQsJbSoHk.html

@Kuhtlass 6 ай бұрын

That is sick. Gonna add the prusik to my tether for saddle hunting.

@WesSpurTreeEquipment 6 ай бұрын

Glad it's helpful! We have several camo prusiks we've made up for saddle hunters here: www.wesspur.com/search?keywords=camo%20prusik&page=1

@bravo3541 3 жыл бұрын

Great demo. Best, simple use of the prusik actually in use I've seen. Thanks

@WesSpurTreeEquipment 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful, thanks for the feedback! Stay safe.

@AMC-eq3jr Жыл бұрын

Prusik not required with a figure 9 device: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Zrufn5eQsJbSoHk.html

@trimbaker1893 Жыл бұрын

Nicely done.

@christopherjohnson1414 Ай бұрын

so glad i found this video before i got in a tree . always want to be as safe as possible during not so safe activities . stay safe out there and God bless 🙏

@WesSpurTreeEquipment Ай бұрын

stay safe, and feel free tor each out with any gear questions. www.wesspur.com/contact-wesspur

@Rudecheers 2 жыл бұрын

Your video's are always straight to the point. Good info, thanks. Greetings from Belgium

@cheesyascot 3 жыл бұрын

This was great and kept to the point. I've always been a fan of shopping wesspur but didn't realize there was a YT channel. Thank you.

@WesSpurTreeEquipment 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, there's lots of videos. Feel free to let us know if there is something you would like to see covered in a video.

@Billster1955 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave, great info.

@williamb2339 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video very informative and easy to understand 👍

@krustysurfer 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Dave for more essential information.

@AMC-eq3jr Жыл бұрын

Prusik not required with a figure 9 device: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Zrufn5eQsJbSoHk.html

@MrMurrekatt 3 жыл бұрын

A very informative video! Had not had to buy an expensive decender for my aborist work, could have used my figue 8

@venadovagabundo Жыл бұрын

Great! thankyou Dave for uploading this important info. Another good benefit of the prusik is that you can use it to ascend. Recently it happened to me, rapelling (alone) from the summit of a two-anchor 60 meter multipitch climbing, that I couldn't bring down the rope when I reached the first anchor, because it got stucked. So I used a prusik to ascend back to the summit anchor. Later I learned that you can also add a second prusik below to use it with your feet.

@TheConrad100 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Dave, love your videos! Simple, to the point, and always answer all the questions that might come up. I really like the way you mention in this one that though you could rappell with just the device, the prusik backup is the proper technique. Your video on lanyard choices and operation is a gem as well, thanks so much!!

@WesSpurTreeEquipment 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@chriskoscianski6057 8 ай бұрын

Thank you for this video, and showing how to use the prusik for safety. I had been struggling to find something that showed the Prusik with the figure 8

@WesSpurTreeEquipment 8 ай бұрын

Happy to oblige, please let us know if we can help with your gear outfitting! Stay safe,

@r.g.3636 Жыл бұрын

good job mr. Dave..... roy...mendo

@alexsoul247 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for explaining. After watching numerous videos on the same subject - this is by far the best explanation of this system. Really appreciate your help

@WesSpurTreeEquipment 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful, Alex! Stay safe.

@AMC-eq3jr 3 жыл бұрын

Alex Soul Don't install the figure 8 in mid air. You might drop it and end up using a munter hitch to get down.

@adriendraven6409 2 жыл бұрын

i guess Im asking randomly but does anyone know a trick to log back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly lost my password. I love any help you can offer me!

@bjorntoby3320 2 жыл бұрын

@Adrien Draven instablaster =)

@adriendraven6409 2 жыл бұрын

@Bjorn Toby thanks for your reply. I got to the site on google and im trying it out atm. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

@12gauge1oz 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent presentation.

@WesSpurTreeEquipment 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you kindly!

@MIKO_MDG 8 ай бұрын

Thanks Dave! When I descend SRT static after climbing w/ascenders like a Petzl Texas system, i've been backing up the Fig. 8 w/a Munter hitch below, tied to one of my saddle hip rings. I'll give the prusik a try👍

@gerardusjony440 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@Dev_Anand_C Ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing

@levi-316 3 жыл бұрын

This was super helpful. Thanks!

@WesSpurTreeEquipment 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it could help!

@pappysproductions 8 ай бұрын

Excellent

@KM-jp2wx Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this guidance.

@AMC-eq3jr Жыл бұрын

Prusik not required with a figure 9 device: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Zrufn5eQsJbSoHk.html

@osuclassof88 3 жыл бұрын

thank you for sharing

@mariotheunissen8523 3 жыл бұрын

great tips thxs for the video

@outbackenduro7418 2 жыл бұрын

This is where I learn the soft lock. So imp to me. TY! Prusik bac up on rapell, the other thing I wanted to know about. Great ! :)

@AMC-eq3jr Жыл бұрын

Prusik not required with a figure 9 device: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Zrufn5eQsJbSoHk.html

@ediambrocio6629 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks u, u video is really helpful

@prestonjoyner8344 2 жыл бұрын

thanks for sharing makes scents.

@AMC-eq3jr Жыл бұрын

Prusik not required with a figure 9 device: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Zrufn5eQsJbSoHk.html

@somasekhar957 3 жыл бұрын

superb

@WesSpurTreeEquipment 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@savage22bolt32 3 жыл бұрын

I'll try this. I gravitate towards simple techniques. The only method I ever used is the 4 carabiner / opposing gates on a double rope. Learned that 45 yrs ago.

@AMC-eq3jr Жыл бұрын

Prusik not required with a figure 9 device: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Zrufn5eQsJbSoHk.html

@Xtreme_Airgun_Slugs 3 жыл бұрын

I ALWAYS use bent eared descenders because they prevent the rope from creeping up and over the "0"and locking you into a rappel

@yawningdog9894 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah but if you're using a standard 8 and it locks cant you just tie a foot loop above it and unlock it so theres a solution to the problem (if it ever happens)

@Xtreme_Airgun_Slugs 3 жыл бұрын

@@yawningdog9894 I suppose you could, but I have never had to do that because I don't use a standard 8, ever.

@yawningdog9894 3 жыл бұрын

@@Xtreme_Airgun_Slugs good for you then by the way are there any disadvantages to the horned figure 8 or is it better?

@Xtreme_Airgun_Slugs 3 жыл бұрын

@@yawningdog9894 I like it because I can tie off my rope and be stationary if needed and have both hands free. The disadvantages are being slightly bulkier and heavier.

@yawningdog9894 3 жыл бұрын

@@Xtreme_Airgun_Slugs Thank you for the info

@PescadoAzure 9 жыл бұрын

Great video, thank you for your time and instruction. What is the best way to install a figure 8 descender if your weight is already on the rope? For instance, if you didn't have two separate lines in the tree what is a good method to install a figure 8 device, like if you needed to come back down while ascending on a single rope?

@PescadoAzure 8 жыл бұрын

Well yea. Thanks.. I guess the scenario I was thinking about would be needing to come down while ascending away from the trunk or any limbs. Since February though, I've learned the Munter Hitch for descent and I've started single-lining with a rope runner, eliminating the need for a figure-8

@treeghost1978 7 ай бұрын

What about rappelling short distances say 18'-20' with a soft lock in place? Then taking a 2nd soft lock to hold yourself when stopped?

@spaceman8839 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the post. I have heard a downside to this device is that the rope can slip up creating a hitch. Is there a way you can positively secure that from happening with this device? I just bought 2 of these then heard about the hitch thing. Thank you.

@kb9826 Ай бұрын

@kb9826 I guess the backup prusik would grab quick enough if a person panicked for some reason and lost the control \brake end of the rope, right hand in your case, because the natural reaction for most would be to grab the prusik \climbing rope tighter with the left hand, no?

@jstretch 11 ай бұрын

How do you swap to Rappel and get off your backup prusik when you have no footholds?

@stewartj3407 2 жыл бұрын

We didn’t get to see the struggle to free that prusik

@freshpootube 4 ай бұрын

I bought one of these for descending trees, but I'm finding I just rappel with the prussic/hitch-climber. Should I be using a figure8 for a smoother rappel perhaps? I've also got a fall arrest device (Petzl ASAP) so it's getting kind of cluttered down there.

@WesSpurTreeEquipment 4 ай бұрын

The figure 8 is more of a legacy tool for tree care. Like you've found, it's easy just to come down on your hitch. A figure 8 or a U-rack, J-rack, or other friction device sees action on very long descents, when you would be generating a lot of heat on your hitch from all that friction.

@nevin3123 3 жыл бұрын

ty ngd

@klikitzsmith8416 3 жыл бұрын

Just a question, but if you do panic with the prusik above won't that cause a reaction to grip the prusik? Or will it still grip unless you got superhuman strength?

@WesSpurTreeEquipment 3 жыл бұрын

The prusik can be released if a panicked user grabs onto it. Some people do prefer to have the prusik below the 8.

@AMC-eq3jr Жыл бұрын

Prusik not required with a figure 9 device: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Zrufn5eQsJbSoHk.html

@paulguido6663 3 жыл бұрын

Where can I find a prusik with that splice like he's got? Maybe I'm just not using the correct name trying to find one...?

@WesSpurTreeEquipment 3 жыл бұрын

Hi there, Paul - you can find several options for loop and bound-loop prusiks on our prusiks page here: www.wesspur.com/prusiks/heat-resistant-prusik-cords.html Please feel free to get a hold of customer service if we can help you find anything - 800-268-2141 or orders@wesspur.com. Stay safe!

@maxdow8704 3 ай бұрын

To do the hard lock, do you need to do the soft lock first and use them in combination?

@WesSpurTreeEquipment 3 ай бұрын

Yep!

@Marread 6 ай бұрын

Thinking of getting an 8 as using my ascender for descending it gets so hot. Does an 8 generate less heat?

@WesSpurTreeEquipment 6 ай бұрын

Friction will generate heat, but 8's are built for descent. For very long descents where heat management may be a concern, you might want to check out the U-Rack or J-Rack from SMC.

@vergeltuble5497 2 жыл бұрын

😮😮😮😮

@dannybrowning2068 2 жыл бұрын

where can you get the one eye prusik?

@WesSpurTreeEquipment 2 жыл бұрын

A bound loop prusik can be found here: www.wesspur.com/prusiks/heat-resistant-prusik-cords.html

@raylp4751 2 жыл бұрын

Got no idea how to tied the pressik. Or the soft lock.

@AMC-eq3jr Жыл бұрын

Prusik not required with a figure 9 device: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Zrufn5eQsJbSoHk.html

@user-hk5ss5sg1t 8 ай бұрын

what size rope do you use?

@WesSpurTreeEquipment 8 ай бұрын

Hey there, most folks climb trees using 11mm - 13mm ropes (7/16" to 1/2").

@stevequimno5960 5 ай бұрын

what is your prusik length?

@WesSpurTreeEquipment 5 ай бұрын

Hi Steve, I believe Dave was using our sewn loop prusik, which looks a little different now as we've changed the cord over to BlueWater's Dynamic 8mm. It's a 16" pull-to length. www.wesspur.com/CLI366-bound-loop-prusik

@TemplarX2 5 жыл бұрын

Shouldn't the prussik be on a line of its own just in case rope is caught in the figure of 8 and lock and need to be untied under no tension?

@VegaChastain 4 жыл бұрын

the point of the prusik is that you dont have another line, if you had another line, that would serve the same function as the prusik backup and you wouldnt need to have both.

@TemplarX2 4 жыл бұрын

@Stevo Reno A year ago I was just starting. Now I'm a master of most variations of friction knots. I learnt on my own mostly. Nowadays I can even glide down a rope head down first like a special force with a figure 8. LOL. I use a schwabisch with anchor hitches to the carabiner to climb now instead of a prusik. Pure friction knots to climb and only a figure 8 to rappel down. I've learned to use pulleys to climb as well. I've still not learnt the technical terms. I'm the type of guy who always throw away the manual. LOL.

@mikealob6316 4 жыл бұрын

@@TemplarX2 If you use a swabisch why do you use a figure 8 to descend? Or do you climb srt with the swabisch then put a figure 8 to descend so you don't burn the hitchcord?

@TemplarX2 4 жыл бұрын

@@mikealob6316 Wtf are you talking about? A swabisch has far less friction than a prusik. And no it will not burn as the rope below the fig8 is not under tension and the swasbisch rope is replaced after 20-30 uses. Never seen a burn mark on them.

@mikealob6316 4 жыл бұрын

@@TemplarX2 I meant it could burn the cord if you climbed srt without a figure 8 to take some friction.