Here is my attempt at a midline rope wrench. (I call it a rope nut) It swivels at the bottom friction point. The tether biner keeps it from swiveling apart in use, but if you detach the tether biner, you can then swivel aside the side plate and insert the rope through the friction points. Then swivel the side plate back and insert the tether biner and you are good to go. The biner would not have to be as big as the one pictured. (and I plan on making a more compact version soon)

Got any videos of it in action?

And that snap on the left side, the whole it's connected to: it looks kinda thin. Can you fit a normal carabiner in there?

love
nick

No video. I'll have to make one for you. The tether hole pictured is 1/2", but it could be 5/8" just as well. I think a smaller biner at the tether point there would be less bulky and actually better.

Here is a compact rope nut I made today. You have to thread the rope, but it is also reversible and will generate more or less friction depending on which side you use.

A small 'biner might be better, but if you can fit a variety of carabiners that folks normally have on hand it will appeal to more people.

I don't like the look of the rope that is one there. What type of rope is that? Let's get some beeline on that badboy!

So when do I get to try one out?

love
nick

I agree about the hole for the biner, I will have to drill it out to 5/8", I hope to make the swivel sideplate version in the compact version soon.

One of the many great things about Kevin's rope wench is that the tether only has to hold about half a persons weight, but of course a yellow jacket and beeline would be the buzz. It is good if the girth hitch fills the width of the tether point so that it automatically centers the device.

If I make one for you to test, would you post a video review of it in action?

Gordon

Since rope wrench type tools in SRT implementation aren't life support (just adding friction control) it isn't a big issue to use a small rated biner, the 5/8" holes seem overkill. For example the Kong micro carabiner on this page is super strong (1,322 lb.), I beat on them as SRT footloop attachments, they bear full weight day in and day out without problem.

I agree though to use a stronger tether cord, 5mm NE Ropes tech cord is what Rope Wrench inventor Kevin Bingham uses, smart choice.

I would like to see a "modern" milled design (think Rock Exotica) that has a smooth beveled attachment point that would allow the tether to be girthed to the device, one less clickity-clack biner attachment.
-AJ

That's pretty nice, I like the small size, allows girthed attachment, looks light weight, excellent.
-AJ

Good point. If I was selling such a device I'd include the Kong Micro with it
-AJ

Andrew, The compact rope nut weighs in at 6 oz. and the side plates are the same thickness as the arms on the OAR (3/16") so it is rope friendly. There is a 5/8" roller on one friction point and a 5/16" dia. pin on the other. For my weight I prefer the roller on top, but if you need more friction, just thread the rope through so the pin is on the top friction point. I like the idea of the micro biner, I just wish it was oval shaped. The biner on the swivel plate rope nut actually helps to cause the nut to "stick" on the rope because of the extra leverage when it is not weighted. I have stainless side plates (1/8" thick) and chain links, so I could make one entirely from stainless steel but it is harder to machine and would likely weigh more.

Gordon

Sure, I'd be amenable to such an arrangement. I'm assuming this would be more like a "here's my thought on this current working prototype" rather than, "you should or should not buy this" sort of video. Seems like this is still very much a work in progress.

Can you email me at nick@splicesbynick.com?

love
nick