1/2" Bull Rope Rigging Sling

This 1/2 in bull rope rigging sling is a length of rigging rope with an eye spliced in one end, often called a bull tail. Arborists use it to anchor rigging blocks with a timber hitch or wraps, to tie off pieces, and as an all-purpose rigging connection.

What a bull tail does

Bull tail rigging is one of the oldest setups in tree work. A short length of strong rope with a spliced eye is tied around the stem, usually with a series of wraps and a timber hitch, cow hitch or similar knot, and the block is clipped to the eye. Because the tail is tied rather than fixed length, it fits any trunk size.

Bull rope, the strong double-braid line used for rigging, is what these slings are made from. In 1/2 in it suits light to moderate rigging: pruning drops, small removals and redirects.

It is also the sling to use when you are short on gear. A spare bull tail can stand in for a fixed sling, a tag line anchor or a pull-line tie-off, which is why many climbers keep one clipped to the saddle.

Tying it off

Wrap the stem enough times to spread the load and stop the sling sliding, then finish with a hitch you were trained on. Leave a reasonable tail. The eye should hang where the block can run without the rigging line rubbing the trunk.

A bull tail is also handy for tying off a piece before the cut, setting a natural crotch redirect, or anchoring a lowering device on a small tree. See other options in heavy-duty slings.

Dress the wraps neatly so they lie flat and share the load. Crossed or bunched wraps can slip or pinch. When the job is done, the tied wraps come off quickly, which is part of why bull tails are still popular after decades of new gear.

Choosing size and type

For heavier wood, step up to a larger diameter or to a dedicated whoopie or loopie sling. A 1/2 in bull tail is the light end of the range, chosen because it is quick to tie and easy to carry.

Match the sling's rating to the forces in your rigging, not just the weight of the piece. A dropped piece stopped suddenly can put several times its weight into the block and sling.

Some crews keep a few lengths: a short bull tail for limbs and a longer one for big stems. Mark each one so it is easy to grab the right length from the bag. Spliced eyes should be made by someone trained to splice that rope type.

Inspection

Check the splice for pulled or loose tucks, and the rope for cuts, glazing, flattened sections and chemical stains. Retire a sling that has been overloaded or shows core damage. Rigging slings are not life support. Work to ANSI Z133.

Store it clean and dry with the rest of the rigging gear, and keep it out of the sun when not in use.

Never use a rigging bull tail as part of a climbing system.