The Climbing Chair

Step 12: The hoisting rope.

Almost there. Now it is time to bust out the rest of the rope. The hoisting rope is the rope that attaches to the chair, over the branch and back down. So the length of the rope has to be at least double the height of the branch to the ground. For example, if the branch was 10 feet (3.04 m) off the ground then 20 feet (6.09 m) would be needed at the minimum.

As you see in the diagram below, there are knots tied in the hoisting rope. The spacing depends on your preference but I would recommend staying in the range of 12 - 18 inches (30.5 - 45.7 cm). Start out with a knot at 12 inch (30.5 cm) increments and customize it later when you have a feel for it.

Keep in mind if you buy 50 feet (15.2 m) of rope that will not equal 50 feet (15.2 m) of hoisting rope. Each knot is a Stopper Knot and it takes 9 inches (23 cm) of rope to tie.

20 feet (6.09 m) of hoisting rope = 240 inches (609 cm)
12 inches (30.5 cm) of hoisting rope = 21 inches (53.3 cm) of regular rope
240 inches (609 cm) / 12 inches (30.5 cm) = 20
20 * 21 inches (53.3 cm) = 420 inches (1066.8 cm)
420 inches (1066.8 cm) = 35 feet (10.66 m)

So, to get 20 feet (6.09 m) of hoisting rope with a knot at every foot, you need to buy 35 feet (10.66 m) of regular rope. I am sure there is an easier way to get the numbers but this is how I did it.

1. Measure 12 inches (30.5 cm) and mark it (picture 1).

2. From that mark, go 9 inches (23 cm) and mark.

3. Keep repeating until you have marked the entire rope.

4. Add a Stopper Knot in between the 9 inch (23 cm) marks (picture 2).

5. Add a Bowline with a Stopper Knot at the end of the rope (picture 3).

6. Attach the Quick Link to the Bowline (picture 4). Now you can also attach the brake and chair to the Quick Link also.