The new rigging rope wrench from ISC takes Kevin Bingham’s original rope wrench concept for adding friction midline – and turns it on its head.
THE rigging rope wrench applies friction to a lowering line while anchored at the top of the tree. This means that not only is the device controllable from the ground, but the line can also be passed to the climber in the treetop, should they need to take control.
Giving control to the climber is useful when working in smaller crews, or when the groundsperson is struggling to control both the lowered section and the control rope line, at the same time.
With the rigging rope wrench, the climber can control the rope, leaving the groundsperson’s hands free to tend the lowered section. This allows the climber to utilise the rigging rope wrench to take the weight of the discarded limb, allowing the groundsperson to manoeuvre the limb away from the tree with minimal effort.
In the event of needing to lift a section over an obstacle, or apply upwards tension, the wrench element will disengage, removing the applied friction and allowing a smooth haul.
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The RP292 model is fitted with a one-way locking wheel, which provides additional friction when lowering, allowing increased control of heavier loads. During lifting, the wheel runs freely.
The rigging rope wrench has been optimised for 13 mm (1/2”) rope, making it the ultimate lightweight rigging kit, when teamed with hollow-braid slings.
For added versatility, the rigging rope wrench can be placed in the traditional position at the base of the tree. In this position, additional pulleys can be rigged, in order to increase mechanical advantage, for ease of lifting heavy loads.
The rigging rope wrench is fitted with ISC’s popular spring-lock mechanism, which allows quick and easy pin location and ensures any debris can be easily cleared.
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In addition to an audible click which acknowledges the location of the locking pin, the front of the pinhead is marked with an indent, which allows the user to track the orientation of the locking pin (without having to turn the device around, to check the location of the pinhead).
The rigging rope wrenches are supplied individually, packed in reusable PVA zip-cases. The case can be used to store the wrench or the insert piece can be removed and the case repurposed for storing other items.
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