Samson 1/2 in Rigging Rope

This Samson 1/2 in rigging rope is the everyday line for lowering small and medium wood, pulling tops over and running tag lines on pruning and removal jobs. It is light enough to carry up and throw around, yet built for the abuse rigging lines take.

Where a 1/2 in rigging line fits

Most crews carry rigging rope in at least two sizes. The 1/2 in line is the one that gets used every day: lowering limbs over a roof, snubbing small tops, guiding brush away from a fence or pulling a tree in the felling direction. It is easy to manage on a crowded job site and fast to flake out.

For big wood, step up to a 5/8 in or 3/4 in line like the Samson 3/4 in Arbor-Plex. Keeping a lighter line for lighter work spares the big rope from wear and keeps your groundie's arms fresh.

Samson arborist rope has been part of tree crews' kits for a long time, and a Samson line in 1/2 in is one of the most common rigging ropes on residential jobs. Samson cordage is also widely available, which makes replacing a worn line straightforward.

Picking a rigging rope

Look at the heaviest piece you plan to lower, the drop distance and whether you will be letting it run or stopping it short. Shock loading multiplies forces quickly, so working loads are a fraction of breaking strength. Follow Samson's rated values and the ANSI Z133 standard, and leave a wide margin.

Construction matters too. Double-braid lines are strong and handle well in blocks and lowering devices. Single-braid lines are easier to splice and inspect. Many crews end up with both.

Also think about the hardware. A 1/2 in rope needs blocks, pulleys and lowering devices sized for it. A rope that is too small for a sheave can wear quickly or slip, and one that is too large can jam.

Running it on the job

Set the block on sound wood, keep the rope clean of the cut, and use a lowering device or a friction wrap around the trunk so the groundie controls the load. Communicate before every cut. A trained crew member should plan the rigging, especially when anything near a structure or line is involved.

Keep the rope out of the chipper infeed and away from chain and bar oil. Flake it into a bag at the end of the day rather than coiling it tight.

Tag lines are a good use for an older 1/2 in rope that is still sound but no longer trusted for lowering.

Inspection and retirement

Run the rope through your hands before each job. Look for cuts, glazing from friction, flattened or hard spots, pulled strands and core showing through the cover. A rigging line that has caught a big shock load should be looked at carefully. Retire it when in doubt, and never use a rigging line for climbing.

Keep a simple log for each rigging line: when it went into service, any heavy shock loads, and notes from inspections. Mark lines by size and purpose so a climbing line never gets used for rigging or the other way round.