XTC 16 Steel Ring-to-Ring Friction Saver

This ring-to-ring friction saver joins two steel rings with a length of XTC 16-strand rope. It protects the bark and your climbing line at the tie-in, and the two-ring design can be retrieved from the ground when you are done.

Why use a ring-to-ring saver

In moving-rope climbing the line runs back and forth over the tie-in all day. Over bark that means heat, friction, and cambium damage, and a climb line full of grit. A friction saver gives the rope a smooth ring to run through instead, so climbing is easier and the tree is spared.

Steel rings resist grooving far better than aluminum where rope runs constantly. A ring-to-ring design can be pulled out from the ground by running the climb line through the small ring correctly. Compare other friction savers if you want a rope-only or adjustable model.

It is also simple to inspect: two rings and one length of rope, with nothing hidden inside hardware.

Setting and inspection

Install the saver over a sound union or limb of adequate size and make sure the rings sit where the climb line will run cleanly without crossing over itself. Load-test the system from the ground before you leave it.

Check the rope for cuts, glazing, and wear at the rings, and look at both rings for grooves before every climb. Treat it as life-support equipment: it must meet ANSI Z133 and the manufacturer's instructions, be inspected before every climb, and be used only by trained climbers.