UKC

Hi Folks,

Planning on putting a load of abseil chain up my tree. Any recommendations on where to source it. Thinking along the lines of Stainless Steel 8mm links with a rated maillon.

Simon...

In reply to Simon Pelly:
Can't help with a source for the chain, but you might also like to consider PVC sleeved steel wire ropes. This kind of thing:
http://www.hitchnhike.co.uk/acatalog/7mm_plastic_sleeved_wire_strips.html

Your profile doesn't say where you're based. If you're anywhere near Buxton, Caving Supplies would prolly be my first port of call:
http://www.caving-supplies.co.uk/
(Brilliant little shop with a not-very-good website.)

In reply to Simon Pelly:

I support deepsoup's recommendation for a sleeved wire but even better protection to the tree would be to use timber battons against the trunk held in place by wire bands. The abseil chains or wires can then be fixed around these. This stops any rubbing against or cutting into the bark. They need to be changed every few years as the bark starts to encroach round the battons.

In reply to deepsoup:

Thanks for the suggestion and link. Looks good.

In reply to Simon Pelly:

look on a http://www.wesspur.com/Friction-Savers/friction-saver.html

look at Leather Cambium Saver, used by tree surgeons every day for just that job.

tom