As I described the reasons for using rock climbing skills in our off grid construction project last time, this installment will show you some equipment and the handful of knots I used. The real key to safely using these techniques is to having a good rope and a secure anchor for the rope. I was also able to pulley up sheets of siding on a separate rope and fasten them while hanging on the rope.
Early climbing experience
I first learned about rock climbing at San Diego State University in the ’80s. As an engineering student I had several friends in the geology department who made up the core of the climbing program. I excelled and later helped teach in that program. We took many trips out to Joshua Tree National MonumentW where the desert wind created a rough surface on a bunch of 30 to 100 foot rock formations. With good shoes it was amazing what you could “just walk up”.
We practiced “free climbing” technique. Simply put, the rope was there simply for safety and rest. If it got too hard or the route needed more analysis, you could go on belay, step out from the rock and rest your weight in the harness. This would give you rest and a chance to review your route closely.
Mt Rainer glacier rescue
Another phase of my climbing experience took place during the week I spent on Mt Rainer mountaineering school. Most of the time was spent near camp Muir where we worked on our ice axe techniques, ropes, and glacier rescues. Of course, spending a week at 10,000 feet prepares you well for the summit assent at 14,500 feet which was part of the experience. The school provided these really cool mechanical ascenders that were an aid to climbing up the rope.
Ascending the rope
In all this experience, I grew fond of an old climber’s friction knot which was key to my construction project. Its called prussick knot. The basic principle is to have a smaller diameter rope loop multiple times around a larger climbing rope. These multiple loops provide lots of surface area for a friction hold or lock when pressure is applied to the smaller loop.
harness setup
Ready for "high" level work!
If you have a budget for a commercial harness, good but one needs to look at how much use verses cost. If you want to do an afternoon project the cost may not be justified. By purchasing various lengths of climbers tube or webbing you can assemble much of what your need. Here is a nice video that illustrates how to make your own Swiss Seat harness. ( I’d suggest using 2″ diameter webbing for a comfortable seat)
For the improvised chest harness, I use a 5 foot web loop. Put it through one arm, twist it 180 degrees, then put it across your back and through the other arm. This way you have your arms through both ends of a figure eight. Pull the ends together and use a carabiner to fasten them together. I found having the seat and chest harness to work well for construction work because it gave you a sense of security knowing you couldn’t fall and flip upside down. It also helped to stabilize the load when I had a heavy tool belt strapped on top of everything
Construction Climbing Gallery
Here are some of the interesting pictures from the construction project years ago! (click on images for larger size)
OSB installing
Finishing up front
Jackie passing roofing up top
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precarious, but safe!
make your own ledge!
Finally, house wrap install.
Bonus Video – Figure 8 knot
Reviewing all this, what were the advantages from my climbing technique? Well, there was the saving money aspect, that is, not renting scaffolding. There was less stress because I didn’t have an artificial schedule from rental equipment. Good exercise? yes. Hard work? yes. I did end up with a very useful 28 foot extension ladder that serves us well to this very day. Oh yeah, it was fun climbing around on the big jungle gym too!
Why not practice your construction technique on a smaller scale? Why not refine skills you’ll benefit from greatly when you make that move off grid? Here is a great collection of shed plans you need today!
What do you think? Does this give you any ideas? Please tell
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Thanks Marshall Although I have a book on climbing knots the Prussic knot has always eluded my skills in tying it correctly.
It definitely has a mechanical ascenders beat because it is by-directional.