Stars and Stripes Adjustable Friction Saver

An adjustable friction saver lets you size the sling to the limb you are tying in on instead of carrying several fixed lengths. This Stars and Stripes version uses a patriotic rope pattern that is easy to spot in the canopy.

Why use a friction saver

When a climbing line runs directly over a limb, the rope and the bark both pay for it. Every ascent and descent saws the rope across the wood, cambium gets burned and the line heats up and wears. A friction saver puts rings at the tie-in point so the rope runs through metal instead of over bark. Your ascent gets smoother, your rope lasts longer, and the tree is not scarred.

Fixed friction savers come in set lengths, so one might be too short for a big union and too long for a small leader. An adjustable friction saver solves that by letting you shorten or lengthen the body to fit the limb.

How the adjustable design works

This style uses a rope body with a large ring and a small ring. One end of the body is adjustable, typically using a hitch or sliding eye arrangement, so you can take up slack around a tight crotch or let out length for a wide limb. Set it so the rings sit level on top of the limb and close together, not hanging down the sides.

Many climbers install it from the ground with a throw line and retrieve it the same way. Practice the install and retrieve low to the ground before you rely on it, because a badly rigged retrieve can leave it stuck in the tree.

Watch the ring sizes when you set it. The large ring must be able to pass through the small ring for a ground retrieval to work, and your climbing hitch or knot must not jam in the rings. Check that the rings are not cross-loaded against bark or the stem.

Choosing a tie-in point

A friction saver does not make a weak limb strong. Pick a sound, live union of adequate diameter, high and central enough to give a good working angle. Look for decay, cracks and included bark, and test the anchor with body weight before committing. A Zing-It throw line makes setting the saver at height much easier.

On SRS, consider the load on the anchor and the redirect forces, and follow your system's instructions for using rings or an anchor sling.

Remember that the friction saver is part of the anchor. If you set it on a limb that later fails, the friction saver goes with it. Take time to assess the tree before every climb.

Inspection and retirement

Inspect the rope body, stitching or splices and rings before every climb. Retire it if the cover is cut, glazed or fuzzed through, if rings are grooved or cracked, or after any shock load. Friction savers are life-support gear: check that yours meets the applicable standard, follow the manufacturer's instructions and get trained on its use. See more options in our friction savers section.