Buckingham Port-A-Wrap Mini

The Buckingham Port-A-Wrap Mini is a compact friction lowering device that lets a ground worker control light rigging loads on pruning and small removal jobs. Wrapping the rigging line around its barrel adds controllable friction, so pieces come down smoothly instead of running.

How a Port-A-Wrap works

Anchor the device to the base of a tree or another solid point with a sling, and take a number of wraps of the rigging line around the barrel. More wraps add friction; fewer wraps let the rope run more easily. The ground worker holds the tail and controls the descent of each piece, letting the rope run a little to soften the catch.

The Mini is made for lighter work: limbs over a roof, small wood, and pruning cuts on a light rigging line. Bigger wood and larger rope call for a full-size device. Check Buckingham's rope range and ratings before you choose it for a job.

Because it is small and light, the Mini is easy to carry into back yards and set up on a small tree or fence post that would not suit a larger device.

Use and inspection

Keep hands and gloves clear of the wraps, wear gloves made for rope work, and watch for heat on long lowers. Inspect for grooves worn by rope, cracks, and damage at the anchor point. See full-size options in our lowering devices section.

Rigging forces are dynamic and can be several times the weight of the piece. Follow the manufacturer's ratings and ANSI Z133, inspect every component before the job, and keep rigging work to trained crews.