SMC Aluminum Ring

The SMC aluminum ring is a light, smooth ring that tree climbers use in friction savers, adjustable anchors and sling attachment points. SMC is a US maker of climbing and rescue hardware.

Common uses

Rings let a rope or sling run cleanly and give you a smooth point to connect to. In a ring-and-ring friction saver, the climbing line runs through both rings and the saver protects the bark and makes the line run easier.

A single ring also works as the connection point on an adjustable anchor or a tied sling, or as a spare piece of hardware for a quick fix in the tree.

Because rings are cheap and simple, it is easy to keep a few in different sizes. That lets you build or rebuild a saver, anchor or sling setup in the field without waiting on parts. Store spares in a dedicated pouch so they do not get tossed in with the rigging gear, and mark retired rings so they never make their way back into the climbing kit by mistake.

Care and inspection

Aluminum is light but softer than steel, so rope wear shows up as grooves over time. Inspect before each use for grooves, cracks, sharp edges and corrosion, and retire the ring if it looks worn.

Check SMC's ratings for the size you buy and stay within them. Life-support hardware should be used under ANSI Z133 practice and the maker's instructions by trained climbers. Compare more in rings.