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Smallest possible rap line.

Original Post
NickMartel · · Tucson, Arizona · Joined Aug 2011 · Points: 1,332

Basically I am wondering what the thinnest lightest rope/cord that will work as a rap line. What I would be using it for is for rap-cleaning and rap-bolting. Basically my pack is already heavy enough without my full length 10.5mm 60m rope. I am trying to go lighter by using something like 30m of 5/6/7/8mm? cord or 5mm titan cord (too slick?) or some other kind of rope, cord, or static line. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks In Advance

Evan1984 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2007 · Points: 30

Also, consider that for boltings, etc, you do a lot of position adjustments on the rope. GriGris are awesome for this, but won't work on thin cords.

Add to that abrasion factor, and I agree with John that 9 mm is pretty much the thinnest I'd go.

Personally, I'd get a regular static climbing rope and chop it in half if you thin you'll be fine with 30 meters forever.

Evan

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Since I've used a 7mm for a haul line in the past, and occasionally tied it to a 10.2 for a double rope rappel, I do trust my 7mm. on a figure 8 in the past. It has worked alone for double rope on short 30 ft. stuff as long as I go slow enough not to melt it.

Aric Datesman · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 145

Simple... The thinnest/lightest rope approved by the manufacturer of the device you'll be rapping on. No need for discussion beyond this point, unless you're interested in off-label use. Simply take the smallest diameter approved for the device you'll be using and then go through the catalogs to find the lightest rope per foot at that diameter.

And FWIW, I've rapped 35' on a pair of core strands pulled from a 5' section of 10.something dynamic rope knotted together to form a 30' rap line just to prove it can be done (note the stretch, and ended up doing it several times to get the video recorded). Sure, it worked, but it's not something I'd recommend to anyone as it reduced the safety factor of the materials involved to practically nil (IIRC they'd break ~250# and I weigh ~#200, so stopping quick was enough to break them). Point being if you want to go off-label, you have all sorts of options and quite literally you life is in your hands. Otherwise your options are solely whatever combination of cord and minimum-size your rap device is capable of.

Wiled Horse · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2002 · Points: 3,669
Aric Datesman wrote:Simple... The thinnest/lightest rope approved by the manufacturer of the device you'll be rapping on. No need for discussion beyond this point, unless you're interested in off-label use. Simply take the smallest diameter approved for the device you'll be using and then go through the catalogs to find the lightest rope per foot at that diameter. And FWIW, I've rapped 35' on a pair of core strands pulled from a 5' section of 10.something dynamic rope knotted together to form a 30' rap line just to prove it can be done (note the stretch, and ended up doing it several times to get the video recorded). Sure, it worked, but it's not something I'd recommend to anyone as it reduced the safety factor of the materials involved to practically nil (IIRC they'd break ~250# and I weigh ~#200, so stopping quick was enough to break them). Point being if you want to go off-label, you have all sorts of options and quite literally you life is in your hands. Otherwise your options are solely whatever combination of cord and minimum-size your rap device is capable of.
You are macgyver.
B RAD · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 0

wait, no one is gonna get all high-and-mighty about this guy rap bolting?

BigMoveMike Jacques · · prescott · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 65

^ well, the best way to save some weight would be to go up there with a set of nuts and hexes and go ground up with a hand drill. but thats just me.

NickMartel · · Tucson, Arizona · Joined Aug 2011 · Points: 1,332

Thanks for the insight.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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