6/10/13 – 11
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RP280 Singing Tree Rope Wrench
Instructions for Installation/Set-up, Operation, and Maintenance
Intent and Purpose
The Singing Tree Rope Wrench is meant to be used by
arborists servicing, accessing, or maintaining trees in
conjunction with a Single Rope Technique (SRT)
configuration. The Rope Wrench is a friction control
device that allows a climber to ascend and descend a
single rope without changing equipment. When used as
part of a secure, hitch-based climbing system, it allows
the climber to smoothly control the rate of descent by
adding friction to the climbing system.
The Rope Wrench is NOT
a life support device. It is, however, a load-
bearing device that may bear more than 50% of
the climbers weight during the climb;
for use without a life supporting friction hitch or
similar device that will immediately stop descent
in an emergency situation;
for use by persons novice to SRT techniques;
an SRT training device.
Basic Operation
The Rope Wrench has two gears, neutral and engaged,
as shown to the right.
Figure 1a
. also provides
nomenclature for parts of the Rope Wrench.
Neutral Gear.
The climbing rope can pass freely
through the Rope Wrench.
Engaged Gear.
Due to downward loading on the tether
attachment point, the climbing rope is bent into an S
shape by the Wheel and Slic Pin. The climbing rope
may still pass through the Rope Wrench, but the
Slic Pin and Wheel apply friction that slows it down.
Figure 1a. Neutral Gear
Figure 1b. Engaged Gear
SPECIAL ROPE WRENCH WARNINGS
Never use as life support. Failure to use proper life support will lead to serious injury or death.
For use only by arborists who are experienced in SRT. Using the Rope Wrench without proper training and experience with
SRT can lead to serious injury or death.
Practice using device “low and slow” before using at height.
Improper orientation of installation will cause the device not to function.
Read and follow all of these instructions before using the device.
Slic
Pin
Wheel
Tether
Attachment
Point
Engage
