Petzl Treesbee False Crotch Screwlink

The Petzl Treesbee is a friction saver, or false crotch, that sets around a branch union to protect both the tree's bark and your climbing rope. The screwlink version uses a screw link connector at one end, giving you flexibility in how you build and attach the setup.

Why use a friction saver

Running your climbing line directly over bark wears both. The bark gets burned and the rope gets fuzzed and glazed. A friction saver like the Treesbee keeps the rope off the union and gives a smoother, more predictable friction for moving rope climbing.

The screwlink end lets you build the setup to suit your system, and the screwlink must be fully closed before use.

A friction saver also makes it easier to pull your rope back down at the end of the climb, since the rope runs through the rings instead of over rough bark.

Setting and inspection

Choose a solid union that suits the load. The Treesbee is life support. Use it only as part of a system that meets ANSI Z133 and the manufacturer's instructions, inspect it before every use, and get trained before you rely on it. Make sure the screwlink is closed and that hardware sits correctly before you weight it.

Retire it if the strap or rope is cut, glazed or worn, or if the hardware shows wear grooves. More options are in our friction savers section.

Store it clean and dry, and check it often when you climb in resinous trees, where sap can build up on the strap and hardware.