Hi Mark,
I will try my best to clarify the questions that you asked about Petzl's energy
absorbing "Zyper" and the "gorilla hooks". The Zyper, as supplied, consists of
a metal casting that resembles a "figure 8" through which a 2 meter long
(supplied) lanyard passes. It is not supplied with anything on the ends of the
lanyard. The ends of the lanyard are prepared with loops that allow attaching a
"carabiner" to each end. "Carabiner" is the professional term for the metal
device that fits on the ends of the lanyard allowing connections to something
else. "Gorilla hook" is a slang term for a carabiner-type device that allows you
to easily climb up and down a tower while successively connecting and
disconnecting lanyard ends so that they (and you!) are always connected to the
tower. A good "Gorilla hook" is first of all safe for any possible load during
a fall. Next, it should be easy to handle with one hand, and obviously it must
have an opening that is large enough to enable clamping it on to the structural
members of the tower in such a fashion that it could never accidently
disconnect (!). The "Gorilla hooks" that I am using are not made by Petzl, but
I did purchase them at the store where I bought the climbing equipment. They
were the largest and strongest carabiners that would fit on the Zyper lanyard
and that had an opening that allowed clicking it (safely) on to the tower.
The closing device is spring loaded so that it closes automatically when you
release your grip on it. Furthermore, these carabiners have safety cylinders
that may be screwed over the interface of the interconnecting parts preventing
them from opening. This allows an additional extra measure of safety when you
finally reach your working position on the tower. The nearest thing to this
carabiner that I've seen in hardware stores is the commonly available, spring
loaded clip that is made for attaching chains - say to a dog's collar. I'm
mentioning this only to help in mentally picturing the carabiner - never, ever
use such a simple clip as part of your safety equipment !!!! I hope this has
cleared up the questions you had. Thanks for the website addresses for Petzl.
73,
Riki, 4X4NJ
Mark Lowell, N1LO wrote:
> Thank you to all who have written so far, on and off the reflector. I agree
> that being slow is much better than being dead, paralyzed, or disfigured!!
> Our free-climbing (for ascent and descent only) friend has been doing it a
> long time, and is setting a very bad example, it seems.
>
> Tue, 25 Aug 1998 09:03:16 -0700 Riki, 4X4NJ wrote:
> snip
> >>The safety
> equipment that I purchased is manufactured by "Petzl" (European
> manufacturer). My harness has a special D-Ring attachment point in the
> front. Attached to the D-Ring is an energy absorbing device which the
> manufacturer calls a "Zyper". From a practical standpoint, the Zyper has 2
> ropes, each about 3 feet long ending in gorilla hooks. In actuality, the 2
> ropes in the Zyper are really one rope that goes through a special ring
> that is designed to allow controlled slippage (3 feet maximum) of the rope
> end with the unconnected gorilla hook. What happens is that if you should
> fall, the gorilla hooked lanyard that is part of the Zyper brings you to a
> controlled stop while dissipating much of your free-fall kinetic energy in
> the Zyper. >>
>
> snip
>
> Thank you, Riki for that contribution. Yes, I have a full fall arrest
> harness with seat, side rings, a chest ring and a ring between the shoulder
> blades. It is made by DBI/SALA, and also has a very comfortable padded hip
> belt. Happily, the belt loop accommodates a leather tool pouch on the back
> that I got from Wal-mart.
>
> I have visited the Petzl website to learn more about the Zyper:
>
> http://www.petzl.com/english/dir/zyper.html
>
> They also have technical information about fall arresting that should be
> required reading:
>
> http://www.petzl.com/english/dir/viaferrata.html
>
> and understanding shock load:
>
> http://www.petzl.com/english/dir/shock.html#3
>
> Now, back to the Zyper. Their picture doesn't show any kind of hooks on the
> Zyper. I have heard friends using the term 'gorilla hook' many times, but I
> still don't know what one looks like. Can you give a manufacturer's name and
> model? I have seen climbing hooks meant for rock crevasses such as the Black
> Diamond Cliffhanger hook:
>
> http://rei.com/shopping/store3/CLIMBING/ROCK_PROTECTION/PITONS_BOLTS/bud/471
> 120.html
>
> Is this suitable for climbing towers? It looks like you place it in the
> curve of your fingers as you hook on to each brace, and snap your lanyard
> into the bottom with a 'biner. Also they mention that a webbing sling is
> required. Does this go around your wrist? How is this rigged?
>
> Please carry on with comments.
>
> --...MARK--N1LO...--
>
> PS: We are preparing for Hurricane Bonnie! Checking guy tension, buying
> supplies, etc.
>
> --
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