Testing: Friction Hitch Cords

As part of new product development and ongoing product testing, we conducted a series of static and dynamic tests of popular hitches commonly used in the arbor industry. The purpose of the testing was to provide comparative data for the arbor community on hitch performance. The data presented is for educational purposes only and is not a guarantee of performance. All tests were conducted with new products. The data concludes that different hitches on different ropes provide different results so it is important to ensure components in a climbing system are compatible.

Static Pull Tests

This test procedure is a modified version of ANSI Z359.3 Slow Pull Test for Rope Adjusters. We created a test program that will set the hitch at 0.98 kN (approximate load for body weight), reduce the load to approximately 0.0 kN and then ramp to 4.45 kN. We then measured the slippage.

Dynamic Drop Tests

These tests were conducted using a test mass of 100 kg. A fall factor 0.3 was used, which is the free fall distance divided by the length of the rope in the system. The hitch is tied to the host rope and then anchored to the test mass. The hitch is set prior to drop test. The mass is then raised to the prescribed drop height and released.

Products Tested: Arbor Climbing Lines:

Tendril - 11.1 mm, polyester sheath w/ nylon core

Scion - 11.5 mm, polyester sheath w/ nylon core

Tech11 - 11.0 mm, Technora® sheath w/ nylon core

3/8" HTP - 10.0 mm, polyester sheath / polyester core

7/16" HTP - 11.1 mm, polyester sheath / polyester core

PRODUCTS TESTED: Friction hitch cords

8 mm RIT Eye-and-Eye

Test Results