Independent arborist gear picks · Typical prices shown, checked at the retailer

Representative photo for Samson Arbor-Plex 3/4 in Rigging Rope Rigging Rope

Representative photo. Check the retailer listing for the exact model, color and size.
Photo: IMG_0397 by hojaleaf, CC BY 2.0

Samson Rope

Samson Rope Arbor-Plex 3/4 in Rigging Rope

A 3/4 in 12-strand rigging line for heavy wood on big removals.

$430 Typical price. Retail prices change, so check today's price before you buy.
Check price at retailer ↗
  • 3/4 in diameter for heavy rigging
  • 12-strand single braid, simple to splice
  • Easy to inspect strand by strand
  • Runs well through big blocks and lowering devices
  • Good choice for removal crews
  • Made by Samson, a long-time arborist rope maker

RiggingFellingPro grade

Samson rope Arbor-Plex in 3/4 in is a 12-strand single-braid rigging line built for lowering heavy wood on big removals. It is easy to splice and easy to inspect, which matters on a line that takes serious loads every day.

What the 3/4 in Arbor-Plex is for

When the pieces get big, the rope has to step up. A 3/4 in line is what crews run on removals where they are blocking down heavy trunk sections, lowering wide leaders or speed-lining big wood over obstacles. It gives you the strength margin those loads demand.

Pair it with a block and sling sized to match, such as a 3/4 in double-head rigging sling, and a lowering device anchored at the base.

Most crews do not need a 3/4 in rigging rope every day. It comes out for large removals, crane-assist jobs where pieces still need control, and situations where a smaller rope simply would not give enough margin. Having it on the truck means you are not tempted to push a lighter line past what it should handle.

Why single braid

A 12-strand single braid has no separate cover, so what you see is the load-bearing structure. That makes inspection straightforward and splicing quick, whether you need a spliced eye for a sling or want to repair the end of a line. Many climbers who search for sampson rope or Samson line are looking for exactly this kind of easy-to-work rigging line.

The trade-off is that a single braid can pick up more abrasion than a covered rope, so keep it off sharp edges and rough bark where you can.

Splicing your own eyes also lets you make up custom-length slings from the same rope, so the whole system matches.

Rigging heavy wood safely

Heavy rigging puts big forces on the rope, block, sling and the tree itself. Plan the system before the first cut, consider shock loading, and use the manufacturer's rated values and ANSI Z133 to stay well inside working limits. Only trained, experienced crew members should set up heavy rigging.

Keep everyone clear of the drop zone and the rope's path, and agree on clear calls between climber and ground before every piece.

Make sure every piece of hardware in the system is rated for the same loads as the rope: block, sling, lowering device and connectors. A strong rope does not help if the block or sling is the weak link.

Care and retirement

Inspect each strand for cuts, pulled yarns, fused or glazed sections from friction, and stiff spots. A rope that has taken a severe shock load deserves extra scrutiny. Keep it out of fuel, bar oil and sunlight in storage, and retire it rather than gamble on a damaged line.

A 3/4 in line is heavy, especially when wet. Flake it into a large bag rather than coiling it, and use a rope bag with good handles so the groundie is not dragging it through the dirt between jobs.

Mark each end with tape or a label showing size and date in service, so the crew can tell it apart from lighter rigging lines at a glance.