Knots and Mechanical Advantage systems

**DOGMAN** · 05-30-2008, 02:51 AM

One thing I haven't seen elaborate discussions on here is mechanical advantage systems made with ropes and carabiners, and I would like to contribute to the body of info on this forum some knowledge I have gained over the years using these systems.

First- What is a mechanical advantage system? Basically a mechanical advantage system is a way to use rope and carabiners to move heavy objects. It is a way that one person with the right equipment can do the lifting of 3- 5 strong people. The two systems I use the most are the Z drag, and the Pig Rig.

Second- When and Where? I have used these systems to pull a Bull Elk about 100 yards up from a creek bed to a trail, pull a canoe off of a rock that it was pinned on in the middle of a river, pull 20 foot sections of logs up onto a flatbed trailer, and on and on. I have managed to do all this heavy lifting by myself with just rope, knots and carabiners. Basically, the ideal use of these systems are when you don't have many people to help, and a winch, or some other power tool can't help or isn't available.

What you need
Z-Drag System
(1) 100' 5/8" static line (5000 lb)
(2) 20' lengths of 1" tubular webbing
(3) 5' lengths of 1/2" static line (to be made into prussic lines)
(4) carabiners
(2) pulleys optional- can be done with the body of carabiners- just less efficent
(1) 50' rope- 5/8" rope better than 3/8"

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In the next post I'll describe how it works

**DOGMAN** · 05-30-2008, 03:10 AM

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So, from the diagram. The "Pinned object" is the object your moving (elk, canoe, etc..)
The "anchor" is what your system is tied to.

**DOGMAN** · 05-30-2008, 03:26 AM

From the Supply list, you use the webbing to create an anchor around a solid object. Use a knot called the water knot to create a loop with the webbing to wrap around the anchor
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Tie the haul line directly to something that wont break on the object being moved. Or, you can use another webbing piece to wrap around an object and tie off to that.

The Prussik is a loop of rope you make, to create a break for the haul line. Use the smaller diameter 5' sections, and create a loop with a double fishermans knot
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**DOGMAN** · 05-30-2008, 03:29 AM

I have to sign off. If anyone would like to further elaborate on this feel free. I will try to finish explaining next time I am online.

**Rick** · 05-30-2008, 06:38 AM

The bible for knots is Ashley's Book of Knots by Clfford W. Ashley. It's pricey at about $50.00 but it describes and illustrates about 4000 knots. It also illustrates various anchors and block and tackle set ups for use with those knots.

Great subject! Probably no limit to what a person can lift/move with the right set up.

**crashdive123** · 05-30-2008, 07:05 AM

Good topic Jason. For those learning how to tie knots, sometimes pictures can be difficult to follow (at least for me). I have found that some of the sites on "animated knots" are very helpful. Here's one that I like to use. http://www.animatedknots.com/

**RBB** · 05-30-2008, 07:26 AM

Originally Posted by Rick

The bible for knots is Ashley's Book of Knots by Clfford W. Ashley. It's pricey at about $50.00 but it describes and illustrates about 4000 knots. It also illustrates various anchors and block and tackle set ups for use with those knots.

Great subject! Probably no limit to what a person can lift/move with the right set up.

Have had a copy for years. Great book! Has a place of honor in my reading library (the room with the throne).

**trax** · 05-30-2008, 11:40 AM

I think I posted that same site a while back, shows people how to tie knots. that's really good information Jason thanks. Nice job with the illustrations.

The other night, the grandson and I had moved some bedroom furnishings for some people I know and he asked "grandpa where'd you learn all those cool knots you use?" I just shrugged, "don't know something you pick up along the way" I figured I probably only use 3 or 4 different ones and I don't even know their proper names.

**wareagle69** · 05-30-2008, 11:44 AM

i use the book of outdoor knots and the encycopedia of knots

**Rick** · 05-30-2008, 01:09 PM

To level the table or do you study the knots?

**trax** · 05-30-2008, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by Rick

To level the table or do you study the knots?

I think they're fairly heavy volumes and he uses them to rap smarta$$es smartly on the noggin.

**Gray Wolf** · 05-30-2008, 02:55 PM

And if your to lazy or don't want to learn how to "tie knots correctly", you can always pick up a few different Nit Ize Figure 9's.
Jumbo 300lbs
Big 150lbs
Small 50lbs.
I actually find them handy when I'm being lazy.... More info on the Figure 9 systems @ http://www.niteize.com/