Big Jim's
Big Jim's Hitch Breaker
A small tending aid for climbers who want a friction hitch that releases cleanly.
Hitch Cord & Split Tails
Representative photo. Check the retailer listing for the exact model, color and size.
Photo: Walt coiling the rope at the summit by Tristan Higbee, CC BY 2.0
A Beeline prusik sized for secured footlocking on a single or doubled line.
The Yale Beeline foot lock prusik is a length of Beeline hitch cord with terminated ends, sized to tie a prusik for secured footlocking. You advance it up the rope as you climb and it holds you if you slip or stop to rest.
For secured footlocking, the prusik sits above your hands on the rope and connects back to your saddle. It is longer than a climbing hitch so it can ride comfortably overhead while you work your feet and hands up the line.
Tie your chosen friction hitch to suit your rope diameter, dress and set it before you weight it, and test it close to the ground. Small changes in cord, rope and hitch change how much grip you get, so check every new combination before you trust it aloft.
Carry a spare in your gear bag. Hitch cords wear out on their own schedule, and a glazed cord found at the base of the tree should not end the climbing day. Note when each cord goes into service so you learn how long cords last with your rope and your style of climbing.
Hitch cord is a wear item. Heat and abrasion glaze and fuzz the cover, and the sewn or spliced terminations need a close look every day. Retire the cord at the first sign of glazing, stiffness, cuts, core showing or damaged stitching. This is life-support gear. Use it only within the manufacturer's instructions and ANSI Z133 practice, inspect it before every climb, and retire it when in doubt.
Match the cord to your climbing line and compare options in our hitch cord and split tails range.
| Use | Secured footlocking |
|---|---|
| Product line | Beeline |
| Brand | Yale Cordage |
Specs are from the manufacturer's published figures where available. Confirm against the product listing before you buy.
It needs to reach from your saddle to a hitch above your head while you footlock.
It is sized for footlocking. Use a cord sized for your climbing hitch on your main system.