Porta-Wrap Basics: Sweating the Line and Locking it Off

Porta-Wrap Basics: Sweating the Line and Locking it Off | Arborist Rigging Tutorial
"We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master." - Ernest Hemingway
Climb High, Work Smart, Read More.
Patrick

[@GreatDataVideos]

I like this format and method of educating the viewer. It's almost as if we are there with you instructing us.

[@MrSLYTWIGGY]

Filling up the Ballard is a nice bit of wisdom, thank you.

[@jesseshort8]

I used to lock mine off the same way. One day I was explaining the basics to a new guy, same as you're doing here, and when I showed him how to lock it off he asked wouldn't it be better to do it to the side instead of the end. Meaning run the rope on the pipe side when going peg to peg instead of over the end of the (sharp) pipe end since I had told him earlier to always keep the ropes of any sharp corners. I was impressed by his "new eyes" and thought I might've found my diamond in the rough, this kid might have potential. Was pretty stoked since it's pretty hard to find good groundies around here. He doing pretty well for his first day and it wasn't even lunch. An hour or two later we break for lunch, and that was the last time I ever saw him. Wrong again. Tree life isn't for everyone, that's for sure. Stay safe boys.

[@malsoonsakit4786]

I'm 77 of years age and yet short on lots of western knowledge. I went to school in Mpls., Minn in the 60s and further, I worked for Aramco for 33 years in the industrial training field. Unless you get good and clear job instructions you cannot avoid havoc. My countrymen, like myself, don't know anything about lowering devices, therefore, they fell tall and huge trees as the wind blows with little awareness of concequences. Your instructions are exclusive and the exercise results are satisfying. If I even try to show them your video they'll shrug me off. Thank you for a benificial lesson. I'll manufacture my own device the strongest way possible since I wouldn't be able to puchase it in Beirut-Lebanon

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Cheers mate

[@frosty_fink]

This format is awesome. During the work day as a groundie, it's hard to see how and why things work the way they do. But this clears up a lot of my questions. Thank you!

[@LadDox_]

Sweating the line....... In sailing, we call it "jumping". We use it a lot when raising sails. One person will man the wench and crank while another will stand at the mast, where the sail halyard exits the mast, and "jump the halyard". Good stuff man! i am new to tree work and have found your videos and website extremely helpful. You break it down very nicely and make it super easy to understand. KEEP THEM COMING!!

[@robertbettis6552]

sweating the line! ive never seen that before. very cool man, i appreciate that tip

[@IowaDugan]

Patrick, thanks for sharing your knowledge. I learned a great deal from you and was able to take on an American Elm that was about 50-60 feet, and 5 trees in one. I sent your porta wrap basics video to my friends who were working on the ground for me ahead of time so they could show up ready to work. Thank you so much!

[@chrisreid5272]

As someone just getting in to tree work. Having a background in commercial fishing is invaluable. I basically understood 99% of the concepts involving rope and knots from day one...

[@firedtradesman]

I really like this format, was hopeful we'd have a whole series of these tutorials. Incredibly valuable. Thank you sir.

[@imaphxaznative]

Thanks for taking the time to explain what your doing in the videos & why. It's very helpful for those who are hoping to do down rigging safely like you do

[@TBM1880]

Thank you for these great educational videos .

[@ChicoTheArborist]

Sweating the line in tree rigging operations is a crucial technique for ensuring a safe and controlled descent of heavy branches or logs. It involves applying tension to the rigging line to remove any slack and ensure a smooth lowering process. This technique not only helps prevent sudden movements that could cause damage or injury but also allows for better control over the direction of the descent. Proper sweating of the line requires skill and precision, highlighting the importance of training and experience in tree rigging. Keep climbing, keep growing, and keep shining bright, my friends! 🌳✨

[@MegaMatthewMartin]

The fact that you turn down you audio is so super appreciated! I swear trying to listen to dialog in a video followed by unexpected edits back to cutting is doing me hearing damage.

[@stevebrough304]

I appreciate the detail in your explanations. Giving the reason why you do things a certain way helps concepts sink in. Thanks...

[@mikeburesh9869]

Love this new format Patrick. Watch a lot of videos but I learn a great deal from your vids, the real nuts and bolts of climbing and rigging. Be safe my brother, thanks for all you do

[@julianalderson6996]

Bro we used to use tiny portawrap outa the bucket with sling. Worked well. Fullas just undo it n go, cheers

[@1975dbryant]

I appreciate your story. I'll stop locking off the porta wrap with just a few wraps, before I have an experience like the one you shared. Good looking out.

[@tree2climb839]

That was excellent!! I started climbing in 92 (before portawraps) this is really good information! Thanks so much for posting this valuable informative video🙏

[@ryanslandandtreesvc454]

Wealth of knowledge here. Never heard of sweating a line, we always just pull down on the line, and never thought of wrapping the whole porta to keep from locking the half hitches. Kudos. From Yorktown, Va

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Hey thanks brother, appreciate it... - Patrick

[@candyquahogmarshmallow8257]

I'm not even an arborist nor did I know what it was until 2 weeks ago but I just like the rigging and different types of knots. Interesting.

[@timberb1601]

Yes yes yes. Everything about this. Yes. Hands on. Tell you show you instruction. “Let me show you a little trick I picked up back in Nam”. And the fill in comments upper left when theres a lull. Good stuff! I’ll be tuning in for sure. If you know some ways that don’t work, throw that in too...and why you fought it.

[@xSK8COLOMBIAx]

A quick tip for people that doesnt know this, if you getting a lot of twisting in the rigging rope when lowering, an easy fix will be to get the rope the other way around the portawrap and that will fix that problem.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Great point, really helps to alternate the rope direction with each piece coming down. Thanks for the tip! - Patrick

[@xSK8COLOMBIAx]

@@TreeMuggs_PatrickM Exactly!!! 🤜🤛😁

[@tinstaflxp5890]

For whatever it might be worth. we (Americans / Massachusetts) still say "swaying" (... a halyard ... on a boat, etc.). And if one is worried about being able to undo half hitches on the back of the porta-wrap, depending on the length of the pegs on your particular porta, you can "figure 8" the line (as one would on a cleat) before half-hitching...

[@fknutz4400]

That technique for sweating is gonna really help me out. Thanks

[@jimisnotunique]

Great video. I got my first port-a-wrap yesterday.

[@jondor654]

Love it , more wraps as an antidote to freezing at the top .

[@IVnik8or]

Great video! Sweating the line is also very necessary when working on the pin rail in a theater. Awesome technique to add some extra years to your back.

[@deanhoban9517]

Excellent- never seen this technique will be trying soon

[@jamescain7250]

Mate your patients skill and ability to explain is amazing keep it up and stay safe 💪

[@kevindamiano1435]

Crazy this was suggested for me first thing in the morning. One of my grounds guys didn't show up. So it's only one guy on the ground and he's going to have to use this exact technique. It's kind of weird how this was suggested this morning

[@DjeehBear]

Nice stuff Patrick. I am definitely looking forward to watching side cuts video. And more! Respect to all! Climb high, work smart, read more!

[@garyhenion9459]

Great video Really need to find some classes like this and and for climbing in Michigan I do some bucket work now but want to gain as much knowledge as possible

[@neightjay]

Well done Patrick. I’m really liking this new format. I hope you keep it going for a while. Thanks muchly. 👍🏼🇨🇦

[@nate2838]

It would be awesome to be able to work with you for a while. I love your teaching style, how you address the nuances in situations. Its the mastery of the nuances that separate a decent to solid climber from an expert, and there are so many nuances in tree work. I've been in tree work 5 years, climbing for 3, and while i consider myself a solid climber and a solid groundsman, i'm aware that there are so many nuances left to fine tune before i feel i can call myself an expert, and i hope that even when i feel comfortable calling myself an expert, i will still remember to pay attention and continue refining my work and understanding of things. One of the beautiful things about tree work is there is always room for refinement.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Well said. I'm in my 13th year and I'm definitely not an expert yet. There is no end point! - Patrick

[@jennarobinson2905]

Thanks for your vids Patrick, I did a quick search for other Portie video you may have posted but couldn’t see one? Mainly I was interested how you might go about explaining ‘letting the piece run’ to new crew. I usually talk about flaking the rope behind you so it has a clear path to and from your hands, the importance of a strong stance-loose grip, initially adding nothing to the friction at the bollard and gradually controlling the piece as it comes lower. I feel the basic command to ‘let it run‘ often leads to people holding the piece ‘and then’ letting it down as fast as they can but too late.. they held for the crucial split second when the piece came into the rigging. It would be cool to see your take on teaching this skill

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Yes definitely, need to make more vids in this series! - Patrick

[@DrewCash13]

Well done, very educational and sound. Thank you

[@InDisTREETV]

Great video...this format is going to help a lot of people get a better understanding of what they are seeing....be safe

[@bradmetcalf7832]

Never seen the "sweating" technique before. Have been through the locked up 1/2 hitch's and it is a pain. Thanks and keep them coming!

[@dwaynemadsen964]

Good tip on the volume! So many videos I have to stay poised over the volume controls for when they switch from talking to saws to music. Sweating the line, I've not heard that term, also, good job explaining not to lock off in a negative rigging situation. Enjoying the format, please keep doing these. But, not exclusively!

[@dustinflores2367]

Thanks for being willing to teach others what you know.

[@EricJemAndes]

Good tips bro! Thanks for taking the time and effort to help us be better equipped to do our work more efficiently and safely.

[@johnhildebrand1991]

I do love the new video style it really helps with understanding all of what it taking place

[@williammcelvogue4965]

I have learned so much from your videos.

[@bill9929]

Thanks for the video! Great job of explaining for me.

[@suziehartwright]

Thanks for explaining this so well. 😉👍

[@branchmanager1100]

Great instruction ! I think you found your second calling !

[@alexmelnua]

Bravo! Bravo!! Bravo!!! 👍

[@alancolchester-hall4806]

Patrick ? I think I heard you say. Just wanted to say I watched James on his first climb vid. Awesome. Great vid. Great team 👍.

[@nate2838]

Interesting. I find that when i am using a foot ascender on DDRT ascending is easiest when i sweat the line by pulling back on the anchor side as i pull down on the friction side with my hand and foot ascender.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Not sure what you mean... - Patrick

[@troytreeguy]

Fantastic as usual! Learned about the term "sweating" we were doing it just didn't know it was actually a thing. Be Well

[@neild7971]

Feels so much more legit now I have a name for it :p

[@Cdnjardinagem]

Olá amigo muito obrigado por vc compartilhar suas informações Deus abençoe

[@chamness964]

Yep never seen that done before. I'll use the sweeting the rope technique on this next job. That help explain a little better to my next ground guy.

[@ryangrimsley1733]

Have yet to see a catalpa that big in VA. First encounter with one I had no clue what it was lol

[@robheg382]

I'm not a arborist, but as a rec climber, I always enjoy the educational value your videos. So my question is dumb but like I said I'm not an arborist. I've always wondered why arborists have to go through this trouble of lowering slowly. Why can't you just let them drop and save a ton of time? Would this bust concrete?

[@backwoodsengineer]

Nice! Perfect timing. Need this info soon. Have a brand new porta-wrap waiting to be used.

[@kevindamiano1435]

Thanks buddy I send all your stuff to my grounds guys

[@rafaabarca6163]

I love your videos when you teaching how to do it the right way, thanks a lot man I been learning your techniques, thanks and be safe, god bless you 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@colinmcphillips9970]

can you explain/help differentiate between what's going on here in the last scene and what would be a "negative rigging situation" as you call it around 8:00?

[@matteswe]

Four years later but figured I'd reply for others to read. Negative rigging is where the piece your rigging is above your rigging point and locking that on the porta wrap would mean a huge shock load on your rigging point since your piece will fall longer in the air before it stops.

[@Nativecontrolservices]

What would you do differently in a negative rigging situation?

[@matteswe]

@@Nativecontrolservices Well, depends on the situation but ideally you want to let it go as close to free fall as possible and slowly "catch" it. That way there is minimum stress on rigging points.

[@jeremyrosenahagen4577]

Great video learning I’m learning something. Love the video choices at the end going to get me hooked for hours lol

[@blondemommyvomit]

The Stein Pre Tension Pulley has been invaluable to me, many times.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

it's pretty sweet. I made a video a while back of that same technique but with a regular swing gate pulley instead of a specialized one. All the best

[@blondemommyvomit]

@@TreeMuggs_PatrickM Very cool. Could you link to the video? I'd like to see it. Thanks.

[@neild7971]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f32Zqp97pZ1re8U

[@blondemommyvomit]

@@neild7971 Ahh, leave the cheek plate open, duh. Got it. Thanks.

[@rob066101]

Sometimes a tight rope is not so good. Sometimes you need a slight free running rope . This is to get very heavy chunks away from your cutter, you can cause very serious harm to you air man if you do not free fall from him. If set up correctly the port a rap will catch the load at a safe distance within weight reasoning from swinging heavy pieces.

[@geophphd5594]

Why wouldn't you shock load with that configuration on the porta? How would you do it? Thank you kindly, great vids!

[@lvlatt_r5717]

Very well done man. I love the educational videos u put I have a wrap at work and we don’t even know how to set it up. This helps a lot. Wouldn’t mind another video, or even about how much a rope or device max loading limit

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Thanks man, working on more groundie vids... - Patrick

[@rhuarimacleod4862]

Very instructional video thanks 👍✊️

[@adamwilson1362]

lots of good info... thanks man

[@chadspadeace420]

And you are 100% correct about the audio on chainsaws hard to hear someone talk then the chainsaw is load as can be. Lol my girlfriend is always telling me turn that down haha! Love the channel

[@chadspadeace420]

Once agian yes I like this format great information givin in this video thank you for the content

[@Jacob-ft3oz]

Love these videos! keep it up

[@thepowerwithin2217]

I appreciate your stuff very much man 🙏👊

[@johncurrie1789]

Great explanation!

[@kirkbrode]

Well done and informative video. One thing though is I would not say lock off the port-a-wrap "like a boat", since cleating a boat is not quite the same. Cleating a boat only involves one half hitch if you're doing it by the book. It's all good here because you demonstrated how to do it. Unfortunately my boss told me the same thing without demonstrating. He yelled "do it like a boat." And since I sail, I did it exactly like you would properly cleat a boat. Then later I get scolded even through I was doing exactly what the he said to do.

[@abeltoomowlawncarecompany8481]

Hey thanks just found your Channel rigging with the porter rap today and tomorrow nice

[@Unknown00723]

Great Stuff keep up the good work

[@scatoutdebutter]

Thanks for sharing! Great format!

[@blfsystm]

Wicked vid, cheers for this bud.

[@andyaaruckus1219]

Can you elaborate more about never doing this on a shock load?.

[@thececilio100]

So what would you do in a negative rig situation?

[@jasonfeazel3806]

Great video Brother super helpful 👍 I just ordered myself a port a wrap and this is going to really help. Climb safe and GOD Bless. 🙏😇

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Right on! - Patrick

[@Bluecollar711]

Very good information

[@davidgordon2785]

Just curious, has anyone ever used a ratchet strap to secure the portawrap? Not talking about the cheap ones. Like the 3,300 pound ones.

[@willtillmann4077]

Yo you should leave the link to the digital copy of "The Fundamentals of General Tree Work" on all video descriptions. I just bought it and combined with your videos I feel some great winter studying going down. Thanks for taking the time to explain things and show all the tricks !

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Thanks man, I will do that! - Patrick

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Really appreciate the support....... - Patrick

[@mike99ify]

Vary good tip. Thanks for sharing. I have totally been dogged by my subscribers for turning down the volume on my saw before lol. I have found some people really like the sound of a ripping 200T and others just subscribe for the rigging/climbing. Stay safe brotha looking forward to the side cuts episode. It’s an important step.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

I love the sound of the saw, stuff sounds weird when it's muted, although I've done that on some of my music videos... Cheers bro - Patrick

[@mike99ify]

Cheers from Hockey Town USA. Go Wings!

[@matthewstone8466]

Mike you spelled FLYERS wrong!

[@mike99ify]

Matt Stone 😂

[@Positrack]

I never knew it was called "sweating," but I learned to do that on a family member's traditionally rigged schooner when I was a kid. The halyards (lines that raised the sails) were made fast to removable belay pins (in place of the port-a-wrap), and two people would work together to raise the sail (one hoisting and one pulling slack). It's amazing how much force can be generated pulling sideways on the line with your body weight, and two people in rhythm can get a sail up and tensioned pretty darned quick.

[@thisreal8979]

Hi, in your opinion why is this kind of bollard better choice then for instance the Stein products? Thanks

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

the Steins look awesome, but I haven't used them yet...

[@BAKERHUSKIE]

Good info. Thanks

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

You bet! - Patrick

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

“There he is” wait, are you talking to yourself?? 😊

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

what a weirdo... 🤣

[@johnhildebrand1991]

Ha ha yea he is

[@songweaver6076]

lol

[@Paddy_Mac]

I do that ha, ha.

[@alejandrocalderon3365]

Awesome video..thank you

[@julianalderson6996]

Those hitches tho nice. I do more wraps everywhere, works but dum cheers

[@randallcammack6932]

Aren't fewer wraps less friction to hold the load?

[@daveoseas]

awesome video. thanks heaps

[@Brian-Outdoors]

Great educational video! Thanks. Subscribed.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Thank you. Welcome to the channel! - Patrick

[@eliseosierra2911]

Thanks man very helpful.! 👍🏽

[@dieseldc409]

Are there general rules on how many wraps. Say 50lbs, 100lbs, 300lbs?

[@MattMan362]

great explanation !!

[@mxcollin95]

Good info! Thanks 👍

[@anonmousehackersquad2310]

i only use two wraps. is there any difference?

[@matejhosner1980]

Hey, what about making a mechanical advantage on the tagline and fix the rope to an anchor and then you have your man for other things.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

yes, that could work if you had an anchor in the right spot

[@billfisher8647]

Good video. Thanks.

[@rhodry04]

I realize this is off topic but what helmet do you use in the gas vs battery chainsaw video?