Following

 

First off, please climb with at least your lineman's and preferably the lineman's and the tether advanced above you (with minimal slack) and do not consider stick or aiders "life support" (meaning if those sticks or aiders fail, you should climb so that you'll still be fine).

It is not recommended to knot amsteel in part because it is very slick. Being very slick, knots can slip and the knots will also get very tight (cutting itself at the knot if pulled strongly.....I've done this before using an aider as a pull strap to move a tree....and the amsteel will melt itself at the knot and break when under high forces).

In your application, the standard would be a splice that is a continuous loop.

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It works like a "Chinese finger trap" and you can add locking stitches if you are concerned.

I use an adjustable amsteel aider and my whole system does use knots with amsteel because the forces involved aren't super high and so they will work. But to make this work I went up one size in amsteel diameter and expected the knots to slip and so tied huge stopper knots with huge tag ends. In your application and just getting started, I would suggest the splice.

You have to calculate the bury length and have some wire and scissors handy. It's not hard.

 

First off, please climb with at least your lineman's and preferably the lineman's and the tether advanced above you (with minimal slack) and do not consider stick or aiders "life support" (meaning if those sticks or aiders fail, you should climb so that you'll still be fine).

It is not recommended to knot amsteel in part because it is very slick. Being very slick, knots can slip and the knots will also get very tight (cutting itself at the knot if pulled strongly.....I've done this before using an aider as a pull strap to move a tree....and the amsteel will melt itself at the knot and break when under high forces).

In your application, the standard would be a splice that is a continuous loop.

Google Search

It works like a "Chinese finger trap" and you can add locking stitches if you are concerned.

I use an adjustable amsteel aider and my whole system does use knots with amsteel because the forces involved aren't super high and so they will work. But to make this work I went up one size in amsteel diameter and expected the knots to slip and so tied huge stopper knots with huge tag ends. In your application and just getting started, I would suggest the splice.

You have to calculate the bury length and have some wire and scissors handy. It's not hard.

That’s what I was thinking but couldn’t remember where I had read that Amsteel doesn’t knot well. And I have spliced it before. Made my daisy chains for the sticks. You are right it is not too hard.
Also right about safety. I always have two linesman’s ropes. Thanks for the reply!

 

I was planning a similar set up and using and thicker-than-needed amsteel with a blood knot that catches on the bottom step bolt. That way they could hide in the stick while transporting. I haven't done it yet but I'm aware amsteel does not like being tied

 

How many sticks do you plan on saving by using the aider? If your building your sticks why not just use another step or increase the step length your building? Obviously i use sticks all the way up. I haven’t found the “savings” in time and the weight is minimal difference.

 

Get yourself a versa aider. You hanging it on the versa button as you climb up/down. It goes up and down the tree with you. I get 5-6’ per stick and don’t have to manage aiders on every stick. I also just leave it on my leg when I’m up on my platform.

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Man. I like that. Now I wish I wouldn’t have already bought the Amsteel. Still might buy it…

 

How many sticks do you plan on saving by using the aider? If your building your sticks why not just use another step or increase the step length your building? Obviously i use sticks all the way up. I haven’t found the “savings” in time and the weight is minimal difference.

Still using 4 sticks. But going from 4 lone wolfs to these shaved 1/3 of the weight. For the same step distance and height if I can get the aider figured out. Plus they pack way more compact now.

 

How many sticks do you plan on saving by using the aider? If your building your sticks why not just use another step or increase the step length your building? Obviously i use sticks all the way up. I haven’t found the “savings” in time and the weight is minimal difference.

short sticks pack better and save weight

by using an aider, you make 2 steps per stick instead of 1

assume that your sticks are 20" and each step is 20"

4 sticks only (20 x 4 + 20 x 4)/12 = 13.33 feet (or 20 X 8/12)

4 sticks with aiders (20*12)/12 = 20 feet

this neglects the step from top stick to platform

so, by using a 1 step aider, you go from around 13 to 20 feet, which is significant for almost no added weight (I use a carry as you go aider so the added weight of aiders is even less since I only need 1)

 

1 continuous loop done, 3 to go. Came out pretty well. Going to test it out tomorrow before I do the next 3.