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

Representative photo for Teufelberger 10mm Ocean Polyester Hitch Cord (by the foot) Tech Cordage

Representative photo. Check the retailer listing for the exact model, color and size.
Photo: Walt coiling the rope at the summit by Tristan Higbee, CC BY 2.0

Teufelberger

Teufelberger 10mm Ocean Polyester Hitch Cord

10 mm polyester hitch cord sold by the foot for tying friction hitches.

$2 Typical price. Retail prices change, so check today's price before you buy.
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  • 10 mm polyester hitch cord
  • Sold by the foot
  • Good heat resistance for friction hitches
  • Cut to the length you want
  • Match diameter to your climbing rope

ClimbingPro grade

This Teufelberger 10mm Ocean Polyester hitch cord is sold by the foot, so you can cut the length you need for friction hitches and prusiks. Polyester handles the heat of a running hitch better than nylon.

Why buy hitch cord by the foot

Buying by the foot lets you cut the exact length you need for your hitch. A longer cord gives you more wraps and more grip, while a shorter one is quicker to tend. Climbers often keep a spare length to retie after wear.

Polyester holds up better to heat than nylon, which matters when a hitch is running during a descent.

Buying cord by the foot is also handy when you want to try a different hitch length or tie a second hitch for a backup.

Many climbers like 10 mm polyester for eye-to-eye hitches because it grabs well, runs smoothly, and holds its shape after many descents. It also works for prusiks and backup hitches on rigging and rescue setups.

Matching and inspecting

Match the hitch cord to your climbing rope. A 10 mm cord works on many 11 to 13 mm climbing lines, but test the hitch low. More cords are in tech cordage.

Check hitches before each climb for glazing, stiffness, and cover wear, and retire them early. Life-support gear must meet the applicable standard, follow ANSI Z133 and the manufacturer's instructions, and be inspected before every climb. Get trained before you rely on it.

Store cord out of the sun and away from oil and fuel. Hitch cord wears much faster than climbing rope, so keep spares on hand.