That $60 rope grab I cheaped out on almost got me killed

I finally broke down and bought a real rope grab for climbing last month after using a simple prusik cord for like 5 years. The prusik worked fine 99% of the time but I had a close call on a big oak removal in Austin where my foot slipped and the knot just slid down the rope. I was only 20 feet up but that was way too close for comfort. The new rope grab cost me $60 from a local supplier and it locks instantly no matter what. Now I feel stupid for trying to save a few bucks on something that literally keeps me alive. Has anyone else had a prusik fail on them or am I just overthinking it?

2 comments

2 Comments

kimr3319d ago

Learned that lesson the hard way on a big maple removal myself. The right cord size and keeping it clean of sap makes a world of difference.

shane_nguyen19d ago

Respectfully, a prusik that slides under load is usually a sign of the wrong cord diameter or it not being dressed right. I've been using a basic prusik for eight years on everything from dead pines to live oaks and never had one slip when the cord was sized properly to the rope. Your close call might have been more about the setup than the gear itself. What kind of rope and cord were you pairing together?